All private licensed Community Care Facilitates on PEI are regulated by the provincial government. The facilities provide care services and supports including, but not limited to, 24- hour staffing assistance, medication management, personal care, nutritious meals, diabetic management, and therapeutic diets as ordered by a Physician.
“There are about 38 Licensed Community Care Facilities on PEI, says Karen Cook, President of the PEI Association of Licensed Community Care Facilities and Administrator of Lady Slipper Villa.
“The facilities are a very diverse group of businesses that range in size from 14 beds or less to more than 60 beds. The number of staff needed depends on the number of residents.”
“The facilities are still hiring as needed during COVID-19. We ask the required questions to determine if candidates applying for positions should be self-isolating, but we really don’t do anything different because of COVID-19.”
Career choices at Island facilities
Administrator is the overall manager of the facility. The position could best be filled by someone with a business background and/or education or experience in accounting. This position is sometimes taken by the Owner, especially in a small home.
Director of Care may be a Nurse or a Resident Care Worker with at least a couple of years of experience working in Long Term Care. They must have up-to-date certification in Emergency First Aid, CPR and WHMIS. For larger homes, a Licensed Practical Nurse or RN may be preferred. At some facilities which do not have this position, Caregivers report directly to the Administrator.
Personal Caregivers require a Grade 12 education or equivalent experience and up-to-date certification in Emergency First Aid, CPR and WHMIS. Personal Caregivers must also have a genuine interest in the welfare of seniors and adults with mental or physical disabilities.
Housekeepers could be trained on the job for this position. They must have up-to-date certification in WHMIS.
Cooks need to be able to cook and bake for large groups of people. Educational requirements include up-to-date certification in CPR, WHMIS, and Food Safety.
Activity Director requires the same qualifications as Personal Caregivers.
Maintenance staff need to be able to do basic carpentry and handyman work and be certified in WHMIS.
“When hiring, community care facilities look for staff who are friendly, kind and dedicated,” says Karen. “Life experience is important, and some of us make hiring decisions around those qualities rather than formal education.
“Also, new hires must pass a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check, and provide names and contact information for two employment references.”
Challenging position
“There is no particular position that is particularly challenging to fill, but there are times when community care facilities have trouble attracting the right candidate,” says Karen. “There are also times when a lot of great applications come in.”
How to apply
“Those looking to work in a private community care facility can apply by telephone, fax, mail, email, or in person,” says Karen. “For some facilities, you may be able to apply on their website.”
For a list of licensed community care facilities on PEI, visit https://peicommunitycare.ca/directory/.
by Stella Shepard