JOB SUMMARY: The Registered Care Aid/Community Health Representative reports to the Home Community Care Nurse (HCC) and Health Director. The RCA/CHR works closely with the Kwakiutl Nursing and Health Team and other to promote holisitc community wellness, protect health, prevent injury and illnessand to support and assist in the delivery of health services and programs. The RCA/CHR will also provide personal care and respite assistance to clients based on the assessed need and work as a key liason between patients, families, and health care providers.
DUITES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists and/or takes the lead in organizing health and wellness education workshops and creates culturally appropriate education material.
- Assists in the delivery of health and wellness promotion and injury prevention programs.
- In conjunction with other Health Team members, carries out health and wellness screening programs.
- Refers to clients and families to appropriate resources and services and helps them overcome any access barriers.
- Picks up prescriptions for elders and other vulnerable persons in community when needed.
- Acts as the Patient Travel Clerk substitue when the Patient Travel Clerk is away.
- Under the supervision of the Kwakiutl HCC Nurse, provides personal care as an RCA when needed, according to approved care plan. Provides home care support services within a home enviroment and other community settings, as per the individual client care plan.
- Delivers home care services according to care plan activities as determined by HCC nurse.
- Assists in identifying changes to the specific Home Care needs of individuals under the supervision and guidance of the HCC nurse.
- Incorporate a holistic approach to home-based client services by recognizing and promoting the physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being of individual and families, as per the individual client care plan and under the supervision of the HCC nurse.
- Assists in the indentification of Kwakiutl home and community care clients at risk, and informs the HCC Nurse for possible referral to an appropriate agency.
- Assists community members and families to maintain independent functioning through the activities outlined within the individual client care plan.
- Perform selected home management, personal care, and caregiving tasks safely, efficiently, and competetly as per the individual client’s care plan.
- Work with the community to identify and utilize healing resources that will support a Kwakiutl traditional and holistic approach to developing a healthy community.
- Promote wellness and independence amongst families and the community by assisting with healthy lifestyle adaptions and self-care skills.
- Empower family caregivers, the community and Kwakiutl staff by sharing the health prevention and wellness information.
- Assist the HCC Nurse and O/T, as directed, to assess the client’s home enviromnet to determine the need for renovations and/or safety concerns that will facilitate access and mobility for disabled community members.
- Perform other related duties as required by the HC program ar as directed by the HCC Nurse.
- Maintain confidential, accurate client records and files through Mustimuhw electronic software.
- Maintain personal competence and fitness for duties by acquiring new knowledge and skills as approved by the HCC nurse and the Kwakiutl Health Director.
- Adheres to all Kwakiutl First Nation policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as required.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Knowledge of the Kwakiutl community, culture and language an asset.
- Completion of Registered Care Aide/Health Care Aide Program, additional Community Wellness Certificate Program, Community Health Care Certificate Program or a certificate deemed comparable an asset.
- Basic planning, critical thinking, problem solving, time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Strong computer skills (i.e knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Word, Internet research, and Email) or be willing to undergo training when directed.
- Willingness to successfully undergo criminal record check (see below)
- Must role model behavior that encourages clients and members of the community to live a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
- Maintain a valid BC drivers license as a condition of employment and preferably have access to a reliable vehicle.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
- Work closely with various health agencies, medical professionals, and other First Nations.
- Works closely with Health and Band staff to ensure effective and coordinated programming for community.
- Maintains good relations with the Kwakiutl community promoting good health and wellness.
CULTURAL SAFETY: It is paramount that all positions within the Health Team strive to communicate and serve the Kwakiutl people in a manner that respects, enhances and promotes the cultural identity and well being of both the individual and the health care providers.
This position will strive for cultural safety by:
- Gaining cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity.
- Understanding and complying with any Kwakiutl policies or position statements on “cultural safety” (and ensuring it is reflected in individual training/professional development plans)
- Ensuring that plans, policies and activities undertaken promote the holistic health and well being of the Kwakiutl in a way that incorporates and promotes the cultural aspects of the Kwakiutl people and traditions.
- Overall assisting in the articulation and establishment of cultural influence expectations in the Kwakiutl Health Centre planning and day to day operations.
GENERAL:
- Smoke and scent free enviroment
- Harassment and violence free enviroment
TO APPLY PLEASE SEND A CV AND COVER LETTER TO CAITLIN HARTNETT, KWAKIUTL HEALTH DIRECTOR AT hd@kwakiutl.bc.ca