Supportive Care Assistant

The program includes nine weeks of online and industry training and a three-week work placement. The program can help accelerate the next step of your career if you choose to pursue further studies and become a Health Care Assistant.

The program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

The program includes a three-week work placement in a long-term or home care setting. You will gain experience to help prepare for a career in the sector while providing much needed support to long-term and home care staff. You will assist certified health care assistants and the health care team to support clients. The role involves performing non-clinical activities which could include:

• Assisting with meals
• Assisting with cleaning and disinfecting
• Stocking materials required by clients and health care staff
• Making clients' beds, cleaning their rooms and other areas
• Providing companionship, comfort, and support
• Assisting with and accompanying clients as they move about
• Participating in activities with clients

The training program is comprised of:

• 2 weeks of essential skills
• 5 weeks of Supportive Care Assistant Micro-credential courses
• 1 week of occupational certifications
• 1 week of employability skills
• 3 weeks of work experience

Essential skills training includes Self-awareness and building Personal Action Plans, Working in Teams, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Goal Setting and Time Management, and Computer Skills.

The five-week online training is divided into learning modules and will prepare you for your role as a supportive care assistant. Modules include: Professionalism; Client and Family-centred Assistance; Communication; Supportive Assistance; and Infection Control and Safety. Each module will take approximately 20 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace over one week.

Occupational certifications include Standard First Aid and CPR C, FoodSafe Level 1, and Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum.

Employability skills include Targeted Resumes and Cover Letters, Mock Interviews, and Job Search Skills.

After completing the above training, you will be connected to an employer who will provide 90 hours of employment (hours/schedule vary according to availability of placement).

The SCA program will allow you to gain experience and help prepare you for a career in the sector. You may wish to further your studies to become a health care assistant. Please note that you will need to meet the admission requirements for that program.

In the next 30 years, the number of Canadians over the age of 85 is expected to triple and the demand for health care workers will increase. Completing the Supportive Care Assistant program is a steppingstone towards a career in a growing sector.

The program is fully subsidized and flexible. You don't have to pay tuition and the online training can be completed on your own schedule. The work placement will provide you with the opportunity to build new skills and get practical experience.

A career in long-term care can be challenging but rewarding. You can make a difference in the lives of others and create meaningful connections with older adults, other people requiring assistance, and their families. It's a good career fit for people who are compassionate and like working with others.

This program could be right for you if you:

• Enjoy working with older adults and other people requiring assistance
• Can communicate effectively and have strong interpersonal skills
• Are friendly, flexible, and can provide warm encouragement
• Enjoy working with others and as a member of a team
• Are trustworthy and honest
• Are compassionate and have demonstrated empathy, resilience, and sensitivity
• Have an interest in a career in health care

Requirements

• BC secondary school graduation or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.

Co-requisites

• Evidence of a negative tuberculin (TB) test, taken no more than six months prior to the date of application (or evidence of appropriate follow-up if the test was positive).
• Proof of meeting current immunization/vaccination requirements as per health care organization policies and/or guidelines (or signed vaccination exemption form, except TB). Applicants are advised that if they are unable to provide proof of immunization or immunity, they may be restricted or even excluded from practice settings based on the health facility or health authority policies and procedures for non-immunized students on placement.
• A clear criminal record check from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline by which the College must receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate a criminal record check when instructed by Admissions.

There is no cost for tuition or to register for the Supportive Care Assistant program. You may be expected to cover certain costs associated with the placement (ex. TB test, transportation, or other employment requirements).

For more information and to apply, contact Tamara Elwood: TElwood@okanagan.bc.ca

Training is delivered online except some occupational certifications will be in-person. Work experience will be in-person at a suitable care facility.

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person legally entitled to work in Canada
• Living in British Columbia
• Unemployed or precariously employed
• Self-identify as facing two or more barriers to employment
• Not receiving duplicative financial supports from another provincially or federally funded labour market program