Health Care Aide

The Health Care Aide (HCA) is a member of the interdisciplinary health care team and is responsible for providing direct care to assist in the activities of daily living, comfort and safety of the patient, and provides indirect services to support the overall provision of care in their assigned area. These services are provided under supervision and direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or regulated healthcare professional in accordance with their designated colleges’ supervision guidelines. The type of supervision requires (direct or indirect) will depend on the complexity of the task or procedure being assigned, the stability of the patient and the skill level of the HCA performing the task. Minimum knowledge and skill requirements for HCA’s are acquired through education based on the Provincial Curriculum for Health Care Aides or equivalent. The specific skills of the HCA relative to the requirements of the position are determined, in this order, by applicable legislation, the employer (based on need and safety of the patient population), the characteristics of the care setting and the individual knowledge and skill of the HCA. HCAs are responsible and accountable for the tasks and support functions assigned to them, and for understanding tasks or functions they are able and not able to perform in a particular setting. PLEASE NOTE: This posting is scheduled to close at 23:59 of the posting end date but may be filled earlier if a Regular Employee who holds a position within this workplace expresses their interest in this vacancy by 23:59 on the 5th calendar day following the posting date. In the event that no Regular Employee from this workplace expresses their interest by the deadline, the vacancy shall be filled under the provisions of the collective agreement.

As a Health Care Aide (HCA), you will work as a collaborative member of the multi-disciplinary team providing personal assistance including supporting activities of daily living and support services to patients (clients, residents) who require short-term assistance or ongoing support, in accordance with the patient care plan and facility policies and procedures. In this position you will work closely with patients, families, and caregivers spanning the continuum of care in home, community or health care facilities assisting nurses with the provision of routine care to meet patients' hygiene, nutrition, mobility, recreation and safety needs, assisting with organized activities or programs and observing and reporting on a patient's mood, health, and wellbeing. Working under a regulated health professional you will be assisting in the maintenance of a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, and maintaining effective communication with patients and health professionals.

Completion of Health Care Aide Certificate within 18 months of hire and active directory status on the Alberta Health Care Aide Directory. Must provide a confirmation letter as proof of enrolment from the Directory at https://www.albertahcadirectory.com/health-care-aides/confirmation/. Nursing students currently enrolled in an approved Alberta nursing program who have successfully completed a minimum of 100 hours of practicum; and are either in their 1st year of practical nursing program; or 2nd year of baccalaureate nursing or psychiatric nursing program will be considered. Must attest to this compliance and provide proof of qualification.

As a condition of employment at AHS, you must be enrolled in the Government of Alberta-Health Care Aide Directory and provide evidence of your enrollment at time of hire and annually thereafter. For more information on the Alberta Health Care Aide Directory, please visit: www.albertahcadirectory.com. In addition, you must meet one of the following Alberta Health Services (AHS) Health Care Aide (HCA) competency requirement and provide evidence at time of hire: Certified - certified as a Health Care Aide through a Government of Alberta licensed post-secondary institution using the Provincial Health Care Aide Curriculum; or Substantially Equivalent - an educational background deemed equivalent as compared to the approved Provincial Health Care Aide Curriculum; or Deemed Competent - assessed as competent by an Alberta regulated nurse, using the Provincial Competency Assessment Profile Tool. Successfully graduated from an educational program using the Provincial Curriculum for Health Care Aides. Must be able to communicate in verbal and written English. Ability to work as a member of a team and to request and accept direction as required. Effective interpersonal and communication skills with patients/families, visitors and team members. Effective time management skills. It’s your Move training completion. BCLS certification required.

Previous health care experience an asset. Acute care medical or surgical unit HCA experience within the last 3 years.