Home Helper

Role overview

The Home Helper role focuses on providing homemaking and day-to-day support to individuals and families in their homes, as well as during hospital discharge periods. Work is carried out in line with VON policies, procedures, service standards, and quality and risk management practices. The position also involves working with the broader care team to support clients in maintaining independence and overall well-being.

Job details

• Employment status: Regular, full-time (1.0 FTE)
• Program: Home Help
• Hours: 75 per bi-weekly period
• Schedule: Day shifts
• On-call requirement: No
• Vacancy type: Existing opening

Core duties

• Carry out light housekeeping in clients’ homes, including tasks such as dusting, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, vacuuming, floor mopping, laundry, and running errands.
• Prepare meals and complete environmental risk checks.
• Offer friendly companionship and conversation to clients.
• Provide reminders for medications and appointments when needed.
• Monitor for changes in a client’s or family’s home situation, physical condition, or emotional well-being, and report concerns to the coordinator or supervisor.
• Follow VON conduct expectations and uphold the organization’s core values.
• Support the organization’s goals and contribute to its role as a community care provider.
• Help maintain a safe workplace by following occupational health and safety requirements, safety procedures, and safe work practices.
• Comply with all workplace policies, procedures, confidentiality rules, and personal information protection standards.
• Work cooperatively with other staff and contribute to team-based service delivery.
• Maintain regular contact with clients and their circle of care regarding updates and relevant care-related information.

Work environment and physical demands

This position calls for strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-moving setting. The role includes physical tasks such as lifting, carrying with proper technique, bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and doing work that may require precise hand movements.

Additional requirements

• A personal vehicle is required, along with a valid driver’s licence and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Regular travel is expected for site support and meetings.
• A recent original Criminal Records Check with satisfactory results is required.
• A Vulnerable Sector search and/or Child Abuse Registry check may be needed.
• Completion of a health assessment and TB testing is required.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment is required.

Qualifications and experience

• High school graduation is required.
• Two to three years of experience supporting seniors and people with disabilities is preferred.
• Post-secondary education is preferred.
• Background in household management or professional customer service is preferred.
• Experience with a professional cleaning services organization is preferred.
• Experience working with people from varied social and economic backgrounds is preferred.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Basic client assessment ability
• Awareness of community support resources
• Ability to follow instructions
• Independent work capability
• Team collaboration
• Comfort working in multidisciplinary settings
• Ability to learn and use technology
• Attention to detail
• Good body mechanics