Considering a career as a Resident Care Giver?

Short-term training now available

by Ruby Arsenault

Recently, managers and staff from Rev. W.J. Phillips Residence in Alberton and Tignish Seniors Home, along with committee members from O’Leary, called a meeting with stakeholders to address the shortage of staff in their facilities, especially Resident Care Givers.

After a few meetings it was decided there was a need to come up with a recruitment plan for these positions.

Rural Community Learning Inc. (RCLI) was asked to submit a proposal to SkillsPEI for funding to coordinate the activities associated with the recruitment process. RCLI continues to coordinate this two-week hands-on training for individuals interested in becoming a Resident Care Giver at the long-term care facilities in West Prince such as Rev. W.J. Phillips Residence and Tignish Seniors Home.

The training experience gives participants an inside view of the work involved and helps them decide if they could be a fit for the position.

Sharon Horne, Executive Director of RCLI, is in charge of implementing this new training, which is funded through SkillsPEI. “As in many sectors across PEI, seniors homes are struggling with hiring and retaining staff,” says Sharon.

“Many times, job seekers are curious about a field of work but may be intimidated to try in case they don’t like the work. This program is an excellent method of getting your foot in the door and receiving hands-on training.”

Do the participants get paid?

Participants are paid during the two-week training or if they are drawing Employment Insurance they would continue to draw while in training. Training is provided by senior staff at each seniors home.

How to apply

Those interested can register by contacting Sharon Horne or staff at the Alberton/Tignish Employment Resource Centre.

Resumés are passed along to seniors home managers, who interview suitable candidates. Those selected will start on-the-job training and be offered a position.

RCLI will be accepting applications until all 10 positions are filled.

RCLI is also involved in coordinating programs to address the shortage of casual bus drivers across PEI.

To find out more about the Resident Care Giver program or the Bus Driver program, contact Sharon Horne at 902-853-3715 or 902-853-5720 or email [email protected]

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Tignish Senior Home Care Cooperative Ltd. new hiring initiative

Tignish Senior Home is a nonprofit facility offering 54 community care beds for seniors.

“We have been struggling with gaining enough staff to operate fully,” says LoriAnne Keough, CEO of the facility. “We have a tremendous, dedicated staff but we need more. Since the pandemic, we seem to be struggling even more with recruitment.

“After several meetings with the province requesting assistance, the Resident Care Giver pilot project was created. It is a great opportunity for people to see firsthand what our facility is all about. I know participants suited for this work will fall in love with the seniors and enjoy being a part of our team.

“I understand that this line of work may not be for everyone,” says LoriAnne. “I also understand some people may be intimidated, so this is a great chance to give it a try.”

Interested participants are interviewed by LoriAnne and their new Human Resources staff member Jennifer Heaman. The chosen participants are processed through the project by Sharon Horne, Executive Director of RCLI, who is coordinating this program.

After completing the two weeks of training, participants will be interviewed again to see if they are interested in becoming employed. “Full-time employment may be offered, but we are open to offering opportunities to work part-time, seasonal, or job share. We also are in need for casuals to offer staff holidays and time off.

“We are open to discussion with our staff and try very hard to work out a workable schedule for everyone.

“Come join our team and contact us today to participate in this great NEW hands-on training program.”

For more information about working at Tignish Senior Home Care Cooperative Ltd, contact LoriAnne Keough at 902-882-4663 or email [email protected]

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Resident Care Giver program helps fill job vacancies

Colleen Parker, Executive Director of Rev. W.J. Phillips Residence in Alberton, says the facility has been struggling for some time to fill positions for Care Providers and Cooks. “Since the pandemic began, we have developed a close working relationship with the Tignish Senior Home and have voiced requests to the government for some assistance.

“The Resident Care Giver program, the video, and the promotions have captured a lot of attention, and the community is now more aware of the hiring needs in long-term care facilities,” says Colleen.

“So far, I have hired a few excellent employees from within the program. This is an excellent, flexible training program, and I am feeling very positive about it.

The Rev. W.J. Phillips residence has 30 licensed community care beds along with eight independent living apartments. “We have a wonderful, dedicated staff who offer excellent care, activities, and meals to our residents,” says Colleen.

“We are very much interested in hearing from anyone interested in participating in the new hands-on training program and welcome resumés anytime,” says Colleen.