Transitional Care Assistant

Title: Transitional Care Assistant

Employee Working Location: In-person (Elliot Lake, ON)

Employment Status: Temporary Full-time

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) – an inspirational not-for-profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2024, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier‑free work environment.

The Transitional Care Assistant (TCA) facilitates and supports client independence by providing transitional services from hospital to home based on the unique needs of each client. The TCA works with caregivers, program coordinators, hospital teams, family members and others within the circle of care to mitigate risk and reduce the frequency of readmission. This role will engage in service planning that addresses holistically client needs safely while respecting client choices.

In this role, you will:

• Support and facilitate discharge process and client’s transportation home in accordance with the established service plan.
• Support client in the comprehension and implementation of hospital discharge instructions.
• Complete/arrange errands to meet the client’s physical needs to support their recovery at home (nutrition, medication, medical supplies, equipment, etc.) in accordance with the established service plan.
• Plan and arrange home management duties (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.) in accordance with the established service plan.
• Prepare cost‑effective, nutritious, and diet‑specific meals as required, or provide frozen meals and/or arrange for Meals on Wheels delivery.
• Complete risk analysis of home and evaluate the client’s risk of falls using a standardized risk assessment tool.
• Provide recommendations, warm referrals, and support to clients to address concerns.
• Engage with the client’s caregiver and communicate relevant information, working on the care plan, and provide companionship.
• Work collaboratively within the circle of care respecting confidentiality while meeting client’s care goals.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively to establish relationships with internal volunteers & staff and external partners/supports.
• Understand and perform and/or support the client with instrumental activities of daily living, removing barriers to accessing medical appointments or to achieving recovery goals.
• Involve the client in goal setting and the acquisition of social supports/activities that will alleviate isolation and loneliness.
• Handle and store hazardous products safely (WHMIS).
• Identify and report any unsafe or hazardous equipment and situations.
• Complete risk assessments and evaluations to identify client care needs and implement strategies to reduce their health and safety risks.
• Observe and report any concerns related to the client or their environment and participate/support Ontario’s One Client Care Plan.
• Complete all required documentation and maintain standard client files.
• Develop and maintain a positive relationship with internal team, related organizations, community partners, and stakeholders.

What we are looking for:

• Full vaccination against COVID‑19 is mandatory for this position and operation.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience and a 1–2 year post‑secondary certification/diploma in gerontology, social services, or in a related field and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid unrestricted G‑class (or provincial equivalent) driver’s licence and a clean driver’s abstract.
• Requirement to be at least 25 years of age to drive a CRC fleet vehicle.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Ability to identify and resolve issues by applying standard procedures and functional or organizational knowledge.
• Communication skills, diplomacy and empathy to interpret information, deliver advice, clarify client or stakeholder needs, offer solutions, and resolve escalations in new or somewhat sensitive situations.
• Ability to think quickly and act on emergency situations with confidence and clarity on standard procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion, empathy and understanding for individuals with differing cognitive and physical abilities.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed between an office‑like setting, a hospital, and the client’s home environment.
• Regular requirement to lift up to 20 kg in order to perform the role’s requirements.
• Occasional requirement for prolonged standing in a restricted position with infrequent breaks to perform the role’s requirements.
• Requires significant attention to detail and concentration and the ability to mentally process large amounts of information.
• The work pace is often unpredictable with significant time pressures.
• Ability to adapt to frequent and often urgent changes in priorities, make decisions under pressure, and work at an unpredictable pace.
• Some domestic travel to generally safe locations; exposure to moderate adverse conditions requiring personal safety attention.
• Work requires the ability to meet multiple, conflicting deadlines.
• Work requires interactions with clients who may be agitated or experiencing stressful situations.
• Eligibility to work in Canada. We welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, please carefully review your visa to determine eligibility to work in this job. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre‑employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E‑PIC).