Care Aide Learner (Casual)

The Care Aide Learner (CAL) gains hands-on training and experience by supporting continuing care teams to provide resident care. CALs provide care assistance and services with kindness and compassion, recognizing and supporting the unique needs, abilities, and backgrounds of residents.

The CAL must be enrolled, and fully participate in, the HCA Apprenticeship Program through the Christian Health Association of Alberta (CHAA). The CAL is a transitional role - CALs are both an employee with Wing Kei and a student enrolled in and completing the HCA Apprenticeship Program. A CAL is an unregulated member of the health care team and must work under the supervision of a regulated health professional. At all times, a CAL must operate within their knowledge, competencies and role limitation.

Once Wing Kei selects a candidate to be a CAL, the candidate must then apply for and be accepted to the NorQuest Collect HCA program. The Health Care Aide Apprenticeship Program (HCAAP) will then begin with a full time three-week orientation facilitated by an on-site tutor, followed by enrollment in the nine-to- ten-month NorQuest College program. The NorQuest curriculum is structured into six classroom courses, two clinicals, and one practicum. Classroom and hands-on learning are integral to the entire apprenticeship. Once the HCA education program is completed at NorQuest, the Care Aide Learner will have 1 year to pass the CLHA licensing exam to become a licensed HCA. If the CAL does not pass, they can stay in the Apprenticeship Program for another year to try. The CAL can continue to work while registered in the program.

THE ROLE

Key Accountabilities

• Demonstrate, promote and advocate the Wing Kei vision, mission and core values
• Provide individualized, age-appropriate, person-centered care.
• Attend to the whole person, considering their physical, psychological, social, emotional, cognitive, cultural, and spiritual needs to complete activities of daily living.
• Offer care that aligns with each resident's care plan.
• Encourage and support each resident's efforts to maintain or enhance their health, wellness, independence, and quality of life.
• Observe, report, and record accurately, clearly, and promptly regarding the condition of residents and changes that occur from day-to-day.
• Responsible for reporting and promptly communicating changes in resident condition or concerns to supervising regulated health professionals for assessment and direction.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully.
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to residents and care team needs.
• Meet the physical requirements of the role.
• Demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, and accountability for actions.
• Be organized and manage time effectively.
• Solve problems in a fast-paced, stressful and changing care environment.
• Continuously improve knowledge and skills through feedback and self-reflection.
• Seek learning opportunities, remain open to learning and receiving feedback from supervising health professionals.
• Other related duties as assigned.

THE INDIVIDUAL WHO WILL SUCCEED

• Is aligned with Wing Kei’s vision and mission to continue to deliver excellence in care for seniors
• Must meet the enrollment requirements for the HCA education program at the post-secondary institution (Norquest College). (Requirements can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/health-care-aide-program)
  • Candidates where English is a Second Language (ESL) must meet the English Language Proficiency requirement in addition to the Academic English requirement.
• Must be a permanent resident of Canada.
• Is diligent with good observation skills and keen attention to details.
• Possesses effective verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate with residents, families, and team members.