Pandemic spurs high demand for PSWs, DSWs
Pandemic spurs high demand for PSWs, DSWs
By Roxanna Spruyt, Brian Dunne and Ron Coristine
COVID-19 has spotlighted an urgent demand for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Development Services Workers (DSWs), spurring investment into home and community care by the Ontario Government as well as an increase in applications to personal support worker training programs.
More than ever, this increased demand is leading to job opportunities for Canadians, especially among newcomers and immigrants for whom caring for others is often a strong component of their community. While the pandemic has created a focus on long-term care homes and senior’s residences, an often overlooked yet rewarding opportunity for job seekers is working as a PSW, DSW or intervenor with individuals who have diverse abilities, to help them integrate and thrive within their communities.
In Ontario, agencies such as CLC-K, PHSS and DeafBlind Ontario Services are three of the leading community-based organizations throughout the province. By nature of their existence, they are equally dedicated to fostering inclusion and celebrating diversity, both among the people they support and employees, by providing life-changing support and training. The ongoing education and skills learned through in-depth, on-the-job training are big draws for students and other people interested in working in this field.
Compassion and caring are common traits among those drawn to this work, as is determination. Like many others, Maria Peralta is a nurturing individual with a passion for family. She came to Canada in 2004 and initially worked as a nanny, before juggling a factory job with part-time work at a local coffee shop.
But a little over a year ago, a friend who had worked with her on the factory line brought her over to DeafBlind Ontario Services in Georgina. Peralta had previously received her PSW certificate and was now able to put it to use. One year later, she is now a full-time, permanent intervenor and is enjoying the challenges and rewards of supporting those with deafblindness thrive in their community.
While Peralta already had some background from her certificate, like the others she received extensive on-the-job training from DeafBlind Ontario Services as an intervenor, who is professionally trained to act as the “eyes” and “ears” of the individual with deafblindness through the sense of touch.
Their commitment to professional development has allowed her to grow, learning sign language and high responsibility duties including administering medication. Intervenors like Maria utilize a person-centered approach of “do with, not for”. They facilitate the exchange of information and assist with communication methods, empowering people with deafblindness to gain independence through active community participation, including grocery shopping, medical appointments, volunteer work placements and other activities of their choice.
“It’s a really interesting role that allows you to feel proud of yourself because not a lot of people have the opportunity and ability to communicate with individuals who are deafblind,” says Peralta, and adds that she is now much happier in her new role. “This job is amazing because I know that, at the end of each shift, I’ve helped them in different ways to keep them safe and happy.”
A career in disability services is like no other, with opportunities to have a profound impact on someone’s life. Here are some tips and advice if you’re considering finding work in community-based support roles:
Get an educational edge – There are more than a dozen Ontario Colleges offering full and part-time program certificates for PSWs and DSWs and intervenors, and entry-level programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. These programs feature valuable placements opportunities, and many of the instructors or even other students are a great source for information and networking.
Ask about training opportunities – Look for employers who invest in their employees through extensive training, mentoring and other professional development opportunities throughout all levels of the organization. For example, given their unique needs, DeafBlind Ontario Services developed the TOUCH™ program, specialized training to strengthen the competencies of their intervenors.
Leverage your network – Many positions are found through word-of-mouth referral, often from people already working in the field. Start with your current colleagues, friends or even clients – you never know who may know someone or have a connection to an organization that’s of interest. Consider joining associations such as the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities.
Consider the culture – If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to help people, or you’re eager to make a change, a career in disability services may be the right path for you.
Look for organizations that offer a collaborative culture, supportive environment, open communication, and commitment to your personal and professional development.
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Roxanna Spruyt is the CEO of DeafBlind Ontario Services; Brian Dunne is President & Chief Executive Officer of PHSS and Ron Coristine is Executive Director of Community Living Chatham-Kent. DeafBlind Ontario Services, PHSS and CLC-K have formed an integrative partnership to jointly advocate for and continue to provide high quality, client-centered and integrated community-based support to individuals who have highly specialized and unique needs across Ontario.
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