GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

You must apply on this posting to be considered for this program.

You must reside in the community you are applying for.

You must attach a recent resume when applying on this posting.

Dates are subject to change at any time.

This Program will involve participants completing the Health Care Assistant certification program at a post-secondary institution with tuition paid for by the Ministry of Health and participants are paid a stipend for 37.5 hours per week while studying. The current stipend rate is $24.80 per hour.

This program takes approximately 10.5 months to complete. Upon successful completion and registration with the BC Care Aide/Community Health Worker Registry, you will commence employment as a Care Aide (LTCA) or Community Health Worker (CHW) in either the Long Term Care, Assisted Living or Home Support sector. (Placement will depend on employer need and seat availability)

You must have a personal laptop/computer and a reliable internet connection as classes may be done from home.

Some of the conditions required to enter the program are:

• Must be a Canadian citizen or have Permanent Residency status in Canada.
• Completing a Criminal Record Check (CRC) for working with children and vulnerable adults.
• Possess a valid BC Drivers License and reliable vehicle for business purposes (only required for Home Support sector).
• Meeting the College admission requirements for the Health Care Assistant Program in a timely manner. Those accepted by the college first will stand a better chance of securing a seat.
• Signing a 12 month return of service (ROS) agreement. The ROS period commences upon becoming registered and starting in a Care Aide or Community Health Worker position.
• Signing the Heath Care Support Worker Certificate Program Waiver that allows the sharing of your relevant information with the post-secondary institution.
• Pass an English proficiency test within the last 24 months if English is your second language or you’ve been educated outside of Canada.
• Not be currently performing a Health Care Aide role and have not previously completed the HCA program in BC.

During the Program:

• You will be paid a stipend of $24.80 per hour for 37.5 hours per week, via Northern Health Payroll, funded by the Ministry of Health. This stipend is non-pensionable and the hours are not Employment Insurance (EI) insurable.
• You will be in school on a full-time basis and are expected to attend all classes.
• You will not accrue seniority hours.
• The Ministry of Health will pay the tuition & fees directly to the college and provide participants with a one-time $342 stipend to assist with the costs of pre-requisite courses and necessary books (participants apply for this on-line once a seat in a cohort has been confirmed).
• The program may be a combination of on-line and face to face, in class learning.
• The theory portion of the program will be Monday to Friday. Clinicals and Practicum/Preceptorship portions will be varied shift days and times, including weekends and nights.
• Travel and overnight stays may be required for class, labs or clinical placements. Some associated costs may be covered by the program.

Following Successful Completion of this Heath Career Access Program:

• You are required to apply for registration with the BC Care Aide/Community Health Worker Registry promptly upon receiving confirmation of completion by the post-secondary institution.
• The term of your Health Care Support Worker position will be deemed to have ended
• No requirement by Northern Health for displacement or layoff rights under the Collective Agreement
• You will immediately apply on vacancies and accept a Community Health Worker position as required under the Return of Service Agreement.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 10, including successful completion of English 10 or equivalency.
• Valid BC Driver’s License.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to organize work.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.