Supported Living Assistant

The Role

Assists and supports supported living tenants to live as independently as possible in a safe, supportive community living environment by providing daily living care, mealtime assistance, and medication support.

Supports care approaches that are evidence-informed, recognize the uniqueness of each person, puts people before tasks ad support an awareness of one’s contribution to the relationship, including personal attitudes, values and actions.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Works as part of a team to create a caring, person-centred, home-like environment where tenants feel listened to and cared about.
• Completes and maintains tenant records and documentation, including observations of tenant behaviours and concerns. Monitors and reports changes in physical and emotional health, and reviews daily case notes and records to stay informed.
• Responds to and addresses tenant concerns, and applies de-escalation strategies/techniques to mitigate reactive behaviours. Reports to supervisor or nursing staff immediately if follow-up is required. Initiates after-hours emergency response measures for the building and tenants as required. Documents as needed.
• Assists tenants with daily living (e.g., personal hygiene routines, day-to-day activities, housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, community activities), and as requested/directed (e.g., dressing/undressing, safety checks, showering/bathing, toileting, bed-making). Assists with other activities as assigned by supervisor (e.g., social events, exercises, shopping support transitions).
• Supports the psychosocial needs of tenants through regular reassurance supports, check-ins, and assesses current needs to determine further supports.
• Responds to personal emergency systems and unplanned requests from tenants. Determines/ assesses if emergency supports are required, including calling 911 or emergency contacts.
• Responds and acts as “area warden” to support the fire response process. Follows prescribed role in building fire plan activities.
• Provides medication reminders and setup for tenants and assists with self-medication and related care as requested, including applying medicated creams, eye drops, wound care dressings, and support with equipment/device set-up and monitoring (e.g., oxygen, insulin). Supports blood glucose monitoring and blood pressure tracking. Provides safe, secure medication storage and delivery to tenants. As requested by tenants, faxes after-hour prescriptions and follows up with pharmacy.
• Performs light, daily, and deep cleaning in tenant apartments and common areas (e.g., utility and storage areas, kitchenettes, cupboards, bathrooms, lounges, laundry room, offices, garbage room). Monitors for pests, maintenance issues, and safety hazards and reports any identified concerns.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists with meal service. Sets up tables. Takes and places meal orders per diet requirements and preferences (and discusses with food services staff). Distributes meals. Clears/cleans tables, dining room, and dishes.
• Attends case conferences with other service providers as required.
• Monitors common areas for spills. Responds to, cleans and disinfects reported spills.
• Engages with tenants, promotes community engagement and social participation, participates in programs and activities.
• Answers telephones and takes messages/refers callers after hours.
• Books and sets up rooms for special events or functions as required.
• Provides short-term support for tenants returning from hospital, post-injury, pre- or post-surgery, or waiting for long-term care.
• Provides overnight response to Integrated Assisted Living Program clients on the Sunnyside Campus, accompanied by security guard. Assesses situations and calls for additional help, emergency medical support as needed.
• Maintains equipment in good working condition (e.g., phones, keys, dishwasher, housekeeping cart, activity equipment/supplies, vacuums, microwaves, refrigerators) and reports servicing needs to maintenance staff.
• Completes minor transactions for tenants (e.g., laundry money, postage stamp purchases).
• Works according to schedule/work plan established by management, with some flexibility to schedule tasks. Uses instructions and judgement to provide care and document and escalate concerns/issues for involvement/review by management and registered staff. Makes recommendations to improve procedures or programs as appropriate.
• Keeps knowledge current through in-service training and communications.
• Demonstrates/explains work procedures to help train new staff, students and volunteers as directed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills to assist tenants with daily living activities are acquired through a Grade 12 education with additional training and experience in health care or community social services.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, infection control practices, and related legislation (e.g., privacy, health and safety).
• Ability to participate in on-the-job training.
• Understanding of the geriatric population and ability to provide support to clients with diverse needs, including those with mental health conditions.
• Must have a tuberculosis (TB) test and required immunization(s).
• Must possess and maintain valid certification in Emergency First Aid, CPR, and Safe Food Handling.
• Organization, time management, and problem-solving skills to work independently, comply with schedules, prioritize tasks, and complete work in a timely manner.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion, validate emotions, support dignity, and promote understanding of those attending programs or receiving care.
• Human relations and communication skills to interact pleasantly and professionally with tenants, clients, care partners, other service providers (e.g., CSS agencies, emergency services), and other staff; engage individuals using positive language to support emotional wellbeing; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and understand emails, policies, procedures, tenant information and case notes/records, tenant programming schedules, menu modifications, safety notices and information, and product labels.
• Ability to record concise, factual tenant information and observations, and complete housekeeping supply orders, maintenance requests, flowsheets, and forms.
• Computer skills with ability to use an electronic health record.
• Must provide an acceptable vulnerable sector police check.
• Ability to work day, evening, night, weekend, and statutory holiday hours. Ability to work alone during the night shift.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.