Personal Support Workers
Respite Workers, Health Care Aids, and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are vital to the comfort and care of the elderly, disabled, and ill. The attitudes and abilities of PSWs are critical to the well-being and health of the people they support.
PSWs are among the most in-demand positions in Thunder Bay, with over 150 job vacancies between hospitals, long term care homes, and the private sector. Compensation ranges from $18 to over $22 hourly.
HeathForceOntario (a division of Ontario Health) is providing a grant of $5,000 to recent PSW graduates in exchange for a six-month commitment to an eligible Long-Term Care or Home and Community Care employer. Learn more about the Personal Support Worker Return of Service (PSW ROS) Initiative.
As an unregulated profession, PSWs are not legally required to have certification in order to provide home health care in Ontario, however, many employers will prefer their employees to have PSW training.
Personal Support Workers in long-term care homes must complete a training program that meets the vocational standards set by the Ontario government. Training programs in Thunder Bay is available through Confederation College and Academy of Learning. Most programs only require a high school diploma and are one year in duration.
For internationally educated nurses who would like to work as a PSW in Ontario, the Ontario PSW Association has developed a process for them to obtain membership and work as a PSW. Learn more and see if you are eligible.
