Inside the Circle – January 2, 2024

In early fall 2023, Circle of Care introduced a new program called the Preceptorship Program. Through the new program, newly hired PSWs will receive support during two client visits, guided by a trained PSW Preceptor.

The purpose of this program is to offer our new PSWs reinforcement and coaching in real-time during client care, increasing the new hires’ confidence in working independently in the community, and helping build a sense of belonging with Circle of Care.

We are pleased to have graduated four groups of certified Preceptors in 2023 who took part in a hybrid online and in-person training program to give them the skills to coach peers. This gives high-performing Circle of Care PSWs the opportunity to cultivate new professional skills and advance their careers while also providing support to their colleagues in delivering exceptional client care.

Congratulations to our 2023 Preceptors. Your desire to grow your skills and support new hires is appreciated!

• Tusiwen Sumarjo
• Juliet Javier-Colcol
• Karen Alicante
• Christine Haughton
• Herminia Gillis
• Natoya Currie
• Evelyn Renard
• Antonieta Pajaron
• Augustina Imhanbobhehor
• Luvizminda Cruz
• Josephine Remocal
• Tessie Lumitap
• Mary Anne Reginold
• Arlene Stewart
• Norma Maceda
• Chona Solde
• Camilla Leon
• Odeth Campbell
• Mercy Condino
• Hazel Lizardo
• Criselda Jamilla
• Liza Aquino
• Jocelyn Gener
• Zhem De Los Santos
• Gina Macaspac
• Chona Gill
• Crystal Thompson
• Maria Cundangan
• Harrieth David

Please consider the tips below for staying safe in the community:

• Install winter tires on your vehicle and take your car for a checking/tune up before winter
• Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave the house and your car has at least half a tank of gas
• Check weather repots regularly. Environment Canada issues special alerts to notify Canadians in affected areas
• Wear proper winter clothing – including boots with good traction for snow and ice to prevent slipping
• Pack emergency kits to keep in your home and car – emergency kits should include flashlights and extra batteries, battery-operated radio, food, water, blankets
• Allow for extra travel time to avoid rushing – if you are running late for any client visits, please make sure to not rush and call the office to let us know
• Avoid staying outdoors for long periods of time.
• Avoid strenuous activities. Overexerting yourself in the cold by shovelling snow or pushing a car can actually put a strain on your heart. Know your limits and make sure to respect them.
• Be prepared for winter illnesses – keep your medicine cabinet filled with medicine for cold and flu symptoms.

This year’s learning topic is Elder Abuse Awareness! This training will cover how to detect, manage and prevent elder maltreatment.

The training consists of 3 parts:

Part 1: An e-learning course (approx. 45mins)
Part 2: Introductory virtual (zoom) training (1.5hrs)
Part 3: Interactive in depth virtual (zoom) training (1.5hrs)

All three parts are mandatory and must be done in order. You will be paid a total of 4 training hours once all three parts are completed.

After you sign up your Service Coordinator will add the training into your schedule as the date approaches.

We look forward to your participation in this event.

Sign Up Here: https://circleofcare.formstack.com/forms/elder_abuse_awareness_training_2024

Upcoming sessions for both CPR and mask fit are now available. Appointments must be booked through our vendor, First Aid Care, and can be booked online here: https://register.firstaidcare.ca or by calling 905-272-9214.

Important reminders – please read:
· Please arrive at the training session 15 minutes before the class begins.
· After you have booked your appointment, please speak to your Service Coordinator if you need any scheduling arrangements and have clients that you will need to be booked off from to attend the CPR and/or mask fit training. Please try to book a date/time where you do not have client visits scheduled.
· Your schedule will be blocked as ‘unavailable’ for you to attend the session. You do not need to use your phone to sign into the training.
· You will be paid a total of 4 hours for the training (CPR) and 1 hour for mask fit – this will be added to your schedule 1-2 weeks after the session has been completed and you will receive payment. The code will appear on your paystub as ‘Miscellaneous’
· All bookings/cancellations must be managed through the online portal. You will receive a confirmation email/text notification and will also receive a session reminder.

Don’t forget to check-out the ‘Beyond Silence’ app! This is a free and confidential mental health support program to our PSWs and Homemakers. Through the app, you can access resources to support your mental well-being, and you are able to speak with a trained Peer Support Provider. You can access the app on your Circle of Care work phone, and on your personal device.

ACCESS CODE: CCYP527J8

For more information about the program, please visit: https://psw.circleofcare.com/index.php/health-safety/wellness-at-work/

Why are you hiring so many new PSWs when you don’t even have work for the ones that already work for you. Please help us understand that.

We have heard the feedback that our current staff have provided and would like to let you know that we have made changes to our PSW hiring approach.

Moving forward, we are focusing our efforts on recruiting new PSWs exclusively for areas where our current staffing resources may be inadequate to fulfill the requirements of our clients. This includes seeking PSWs with specific availabilities that align with the needs of our clients and funders.

This major shift in our recruitment strategy will make sure that we prioritize the needs of our current team, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere within our organization. If you visit our PSW hiring page on our website, you’ll be able to see this change reflected in our advertising and messaging: https://www.circleofcare.com/psw/

Thank you for your ongoing dedication and collaboration as we strive to continually enhance the Circle of Care experience for both our staff and those we serve.

If I’m pregnant, until which month of pregnancy can I work and for how many months do I get maternity leave?

You can start your pregnancy leave as early as 17 weeks before your due date and as late as your due date itself. The maximum duration is 17 weeks, but if your baby hasn’t arrived by then, your leave continues until birth. You can decide when to start within this timeframe, and once begun, the leave must be taken continuously. Returning to work during the leave ends the pregnancy leave. After a live birth, parental leave can follow.

For the follow-up period, after a live birth, parental leave can be initiated. Parental leave can last up to 35 weeks and typically begins right after the pregnancy leave concludes. It offers flexibility for new parents to balance work and family responsibilities.

It’s essential to be mindful of the physical nature of your job. PSWs may need to discuss any necessary adjustments or restrictions with their supervisor and healthcare provider during this time.

Link to the ESA and for EI Benefits:
https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/pregnancy-and-parental-leave
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-maternity-parental.html

And if you have any questions, please reach out to HRDept@circleofcare.com or call Ext. 267 to speak with someone in HR.