This Personal Support Worker Program of the DSBN, following the standards as set by the Ontario Community Support Association, and currently in the OCSA accreditation process; in addition DSBN PSW programs adhere to the credit curriculum as determined by the Ministry of Education.

The DSBN PSW Programs have been designed with two exit points. When a student has successfully completed the full program (2 semesters), he or she will receive a certificate of Personal Support Worker. Alternately, students can exit after the successful completion of the first semester to receive a certificate of Personal Attendant.

The District School Board of Niagara provides the student with the full range of training to work with clients who have a wide variety of individual, health needs.

The Personal Attendant meets the needs of clients who are able to direct their own care. Those students who wish to confine their work role to basic homemaking may also exit the program after successful completion of the first semester.

Personal Support Workers respect and support people's desires to be as healthy and independent as their choices and capabilities allow. PSWs contribute to the quality of life of individuals who live in facilities and at home by promoting their independence, dignity, social, emotional, and physical well-being; mobility, personal appearance, comfort and safety.

Employment:

Due to the move towards greater provision of care in the community and increased client care requirements, graduates from this program will be able to respond to the changing demands for service. This training program will give PSWs a broader choice of working in the community or in long-term care facilities.

Program Development:

The Personal Support Worker Program was developed as part of the Ontario government's plan to reform long-term care and support services provided to people living at home or in long term care facilities. The curriculum and standards mark the culmination of a joint initiative of the Ontario government and the Ontario Community Support Association to revise the training that prepares these workers. These standards are approved by OCSA and by The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

It takes a special kind of person to succeed as a Personal Support Worker. It is recommended that applicants research the demands of this career, and consider undertaking related volunteer experiences or part-time employment working with older adults.

Admission Criteria:

Demonstrated Skill in Communication

• English Literacy test will be administered
• Students under 19 require an OSSD; for students 19 years or older, minimum Grade 10 education completed
• For students 19 years or older, who have not yet completed their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), there is an opportunity to earn credits towards your high school diploma. Assessment of your academic graduation requirements will be done after your application to the program is accepted and the program has begun.

Fitness to Complete Practical Component

• This is a physically demanding program which requires the student to lift and transfer their clients

Up-to-date Immunization Record

• Confirmation before program start required for : Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, (DPT), Polio (P), Tuberculosis (2 stage skin test or xray)
• Highly Recommended : Hepatitis B vaccine, Annual ‘Flu Shot
• Acceptable Vulnerable Sectors Screening
• The Ministry of Community and Social Services requires a successful Vulnerable Sectors Screening for individuals who have direct contact with vulnerable individuals including children and adults. Access to Information Waiver forms will be distributed at the time of interview.
  For more information, please visit http://www.nrps.com/records/c2.asp#Vulnerable Sector Clearances

The courses offered in this program are:

• TPJ3C (Health Care)
• TOJ4C (Gerontology)
• Cooperative Education Credits (for clinical and community placements)

Deposit

• If seeking agency funding for tuition, a $50 non-refundable deposit is required with application.
• If paying the tuition personally, a $150 non-refundable deposit is required with application.
• Deposit is payable in Money Order (payable to the DSBN) , Cash, Visa, or MasterCard. NO PERSONAL CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED AS DEPOSITS. This will be deducted from total fees.

Program Length

• September – June (38 weeks)
• Minimum 25 hours/week

Tuition & Materials Fees

Tuition Fee = $1,250
Materials Fee = $ 350 (non-refundable)
Total Fees = $1,600

Other Purchases Not Included in Tuition or Materials Fee

Police Check = $15.00
Shoes = $50.00
Immunization = $ 0.00 - $100.00
Total = $65.00 - $100.00

For Inquiries regarding Information Sessions or Registration, please email psw@dsbn.org or call 905-687-7000 for details.

Information Sessions are held in March, April and May, and attendance is STRONGLY encouraged for all interested individuals.

Upcoming Information Session Dates for 2012 - 2013

No appointment necessary to attend information sessions

For information about programs in Niagara Falls or Port Colborne, call 905-687-7000 or email psw@dsbn.org

Semester One:

Theory Credits:

TPJ3C – Health care
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic health care procedures, including the safe use of appropriate instruments, equipment, and materials. Students will focus on health care fundamentals, including health care terminology and the anatomical features and physiology of some major body systems. Students will develop an awareness of health and safety issues in the health care field, environmental and societal issues related to health care, professional practice standards, and career opportunities in the field.

Co-operative Education Credits:

One Instructor on-site per ten students.
The first semester provides the student with opportunities to practice skills, under teacher supervision, in a clinical field placement experience in a long-term care facility, such as, a Nursing Home or Home for the Aged. The student will have opportunities to apply knowledge and skills related to the individuality of the client.
As the clinical experience is scheduled concurrently with the theory portion of the course, students work along with a skills checklist, seeking practice and evaluation of procedures as they are taught in the classroom.
During this experience the student will also develop a beginning understanding of the role of the Personal Support Worker in a long-term care facility.
For a portion of this semester the student will assist clients in a supportive housing environment. Here, tasks will include housekeeping, home management, and simple meal preparation.

Semester Two:

Theory Credits:

TOJ4C – Gerontology
This course enables students to examine the stages of the aging process. Students will study the processes of disease and factors contributing to health and well-being in later life, and will develop skills required to meet the needs of older adults (care skills). Students will also learn about legislation governing the care older adults; evaluate social and recreational activities, programs, and services for improving quality of life; and develop an awareness of health and safety issues, environmental and social issues, and career opportunities related to gerontology.

Co-operative Education Credits:

Students are monitored by classroom teacher as per Cooperative Education Agreement. This portion of the program provides the student with opportunities to practice clinical skills, under the supervision of the registered staff in clinical field placement experiences. The student will expand his/her understanding of the role functions and responsibilities of the Personal Support Worker in a long-term care facility, and continue to develop attitudes and behaviours consistent with the personal Support Worker role in institutional settings.