by Stacy Dunn
Across the province, Health PEI is experiencing a shortage of Service Workers.
“It has been especially challenging to recruit service workers throughout the pandemic, and the need for service workers is at an all-time high,” says Angela Johnston, Manager of Nutrition Services and Environmental Services for Long Term Care in Queens County, which includes Prince Edward Home and Beach Grove Home.
“In particular, the challenge is to fill temporary and casual positions,” says Angela. “Service Workers are integral members of the healthcare team. “They are responsible for a variety of housekeeping, dietary, and laundry duties, carried out with a focus on safety, teamwork, and resident and family-centered care.”
Service Workers help prepare and serve meals and do housekeeping and laundry duties. Shifts range from eight to 12 hours, depending on location. “It’s a special position because they develop really close relationships with residents.”
About 130 Service Workers work full-time, part-time and casual at Prince Edward Home and Beach Grove Home.
Qualifications
Applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 or equivalent. They must be capable of sustained physical activity and provide a criminal records check. Skills needed include understanding oral and written instructions, punctuality, and the ability to work with a minimum amount of supervision.
“Workers need to be kind, compassionate, dependable, respectful, and trustworthy.”
Training
Service Workers get in-house training such as Food Safety and Body Mechanics, the proper ways of lifting. “Training is on-going through Health PEI. Funding is provided for staff to attend workshops and conferences.”
Opportunity for advancement
Casual Service Workers are eligible to apply for internal job postings within the PEI Public Service Commission as soon as they are hired.
Application process
People can apply for Service Worker jobs online, by mail, fax, or in person with the PEI Public Service Commission. To apply online, follow the following steps:
- Visit www.jobspei.ca. Click My Job Account and then click Register.
- Fill in your information and click Register at the bottom of the page.
- Enter the required fields on your profile page. Include as much detail as possible to get screened in. There are multiple tabs on the My Application screen. Remember to save each new tab.
- You can upload multiple versions of your resumé as well as cover letters tailored to each job description you apply for under the My Resume tab.
Applicants who send their applications by fax or mail may wish to confirm receipt by calling 902-368-4080 or in person, prior to the closing date.
“Successful applicants are interviewed by staffing consultants with the PEI Public Service Commission and names are added to a casual list. Names from that list are given to Managers, who may do a second interview.
“This interview is less formal,” Angela says. “It’s a casual conversation and the applicants get to tour the facility to get a realistic look at the nature of the work. It’s an opportunity for them and for us to see if they are a good fit.”
TO APPLY
for Service Worker positions and other healthcare job opportunities, visit www.jobspei.ca.
