long term care Archives - Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie

Seasons Retirement Community in Brantford hiring

by WPBGE | Nov 10, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

About Seasons: Established in 2009, Seasons is a Canadian company that owns and operates senior retirement communities in Ontario and Alberta. Driven by their corporate vision to “Connect, Care, Change,” Seasons’ management team has developed a culture that is dedicated to providing residents with superior customer service. They want their residents to feel proud to call Seasons home and to know they are surrounded by people who genuinely care.

Where they are located: 55 Diana Avenue, Brantford. Set in a quiet, residential neighbourhood in the west end of Brantford, surrounded by landscaped gardens, Seasons Brantford is a short drive to local shopping, restaurants and city amenities. The community includes townhomes and suites with patios as an option for independent living.

Values: Seasons believes that every team member plays an important role in the overall happiness of their residents. They strive to foster a culture of growth and support for their team members. There are numerous examples of service team members who have been with Seasons since they opened and many who have moved upwards to different opportunities in the company as they further their career goals.

Seasons strives for service excellence and hires individuals who are committed to building meaningful relationships with residents, team members and visitors. Keen attention to details, going the extra mile and putting a little “wow” into everything they do is the Seasons way. They offer job training and skill development that helps their employees prepare for advancement.

Rated as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, Seasons is honoured to be among the best-in-class Canadian-owned and managed companies demonstrating leadership in strategy, capabilities and innovation, culture and commitment, and financials to achieve sustainable growth. Seasons was also certified as a Great Place to Work® in 2021 for a second consecutive year. This includes being recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Healthcare.

Whether you are interested in care, dining services, recreation, sales, business or environmental management, Service Team Member and Service Team Leader level positions are available at various Seasons Retirement Communities right now!

Apply today: https://www.seasonsretirement.com/company/careers/

Also visit Grand Erie Jobs – the biggest career and job site in our region.

Canadian Census Provides Important Data

by WPBGE | May 7, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

Most Canadians will have received their 2021 Census by now.

The census provides a count of Canada’s population – it was 35,151,728 when the last one was held in 2016 – but it does much more. Information collected in the census paints an up-to-date picture of Canadian society and how it has changed or is changing.

Canadians are being asked to complete the census online by May 11, Census Day. Census employees will follow up with people who don’t complete the census. They’ll likely explain why doing the census is important and provide a friendly reminder that Canadians are required to complete it by law every 5 years.

Statistics Canada is also conducting its Census of Agriculture during May. This census is aimed at farm operators across the county. In 2016, there were 193,650 farm operations in Canada – a number that will be updated with the 2021 census.

Short and long form census

Most Canadians, about 75%, will receive a short version of the census which will require only a few minutes to complete for an entire household. Questions will mainly cover: name, gender, date of birth, age, marital status and spoken languages of all members in a household.

A smaller number of Canadians will receive the long form version of the census. It contains the same questions, plus other questions about people’s birthplace, citizenship, cultural heritage, Indigenous status and religion. Other sections focus on education, mobility, housing, health issues and employment.

Questions that are related to the workforce include employment status, number of hours worked, occupation, self-employment, work location and commuting habits.

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie uses this census data to help with workforce planning in Brantford, Six Nations, New Credit, and the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk.

Watch Statistics Canada’s video: How do I complete the questionnaire? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4zJBrpvm0

Why doing the census is important

Questions on who lives in a household helps the government understand family size and composition, including the number of children and seniors. This helps the government plan programs such as Old Age Security and the Canada Child Benefit.

In line, this information is used by provincial and local governments to help plan services for communities, including new schools, seniors’ residences and day cares.

Watch Statistics Canada’s video: Why the census is important https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOOy8_SpvHk

Census demographic data can also help small businesses understand their target market in their particular area.

Here’s more info from Statistics Canada on how businesses can use census data: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/smallbusiness-petitesentreprises/index-eng.htm

Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie – Our Census Map Tool

Our Grand Erie Jobs website has a free online Census Map Tool anyone can use to look up census information from the 2016 census. https://workforceplanningboard.org/census-tool/

There’s information on population, families, language, aboriginal peoples, citizenship, immigration, housing, education and more. Workforce related data includes size of the workforce, number of Canadians who work in each occupation and each industry, where people work, language of work, place of work and commuting habits.

For example, the 2016 census told us that 1,920 Haldimand County residents worked in their homes, while 65 residents worked outside Canada. There are also numbers for how many residents travel outside Haldimand to work and how many come to the county to work. There’s similar data for all Grand Erie communities.

If the information appears dated on the Census Map Tool, since it is from 2016, that just reinforces the importance of completing the 2021 census, so we have more up-to-date data.

Celebrating Grand Erie’s Essential Workers – Laura

by WPBGE | Feb 25, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

In this week’s Frontline Fridays feature we talk to Laura Middelkoop, a Grade 12 student at Brantford Collegiate Institute. Frontline Fridays stories pay tribute to Grand Erie essential workers in the communities of Brantford, Six Nations, New Credit, and the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk.

During COVID-19, Laura has been working two part-time jobs: at Metro Grocery Store and the Chartwell Tranquility Place Retirement Residence in Brantford.

Laura’s great grandfather, Mick Collins, who was a resident of Tranquility Place sadly passed away during the time this interview was conducted. The staff of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie wish to extend our deepest condolences to Laura and her family during this difficult time. Thank you Laura, for sharing your story.

What does an average day look like for you?

Laura: I am a student at BCI and during my evenings and weekends, I work two part-time jobs – at Metro as a cashier and I also work at Chartwell Tranquility Place retirement residence as a receptionist and screener..so it is busy! I am a full-time Grade 12 student and when I am not at one of my jobs, I am currently taking both in person and online classes. I am working hard towards attending university this fall for theatre production.

How has Covid-19 has affected your day-to-day work?

Laura: I have been working at Metro for almost three years, strictly as a cashier. Once the pandemic began, Metro was required to have an employee at the front door to screen all staff and costumers as they entered. I took this opportunity to expand my hours and help out with different departments in the store. Recently, Metro has started to offer online orders with contactless pick up. I took on the responsibility of picking online orders. I understand how important it is to keep our most at-risk customers safe and to discourage more people from going out.

I had been volunteering at Tranquility Place from a young age. When the pandemic hit, I knew I needed to step up and begin working in supporting the retirement community. I worked full time from March to August 2020 delivering mail and packages, doing paperwork, screening incoming visitors and staff, helping in the kitchen, running activities and the tuck shop, and providing companionship and support for the residents. When I returned to full-time school classes in September, I settled in and began working part-time as a screener and receptionist.

What has it been like to be an essential worker during the pandemic?

Laura: It is an honour to be an essential worker during the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic I have been working at two very different essential workplaces and as both my parents are also essential workers, I have seen the pandemic from various angles. I have seen myself and my co-workers go through the highs and lows while working during these times. With changes coming my way every day at work, I think being flexible and focused are the two most important skills I have developed.

What have been the greatest rewards and challenges in your work?

Laura: I try to be very personable when I am working. Having to wear a mask and maintain social distancing has made it much harder to have meaningful interactions with people. At Metro my shifts are much quieter and I miss the silly banter with customers.

Communicating with residents at Tranquility place who have a hearing impairment has been more challenging due to personal protective equipment and social distancing. The greatest reward at Tranquility Place is seeing the positive impact that I could make on other’s lives. I realized just how important the small things can be.

I also got to work in the same building that my great grandfather Mick Collins lived in – a place where visitors have been drastically restricted. He recently passed and it was an incredible gift that I got to see him on his 100^th birthday.

What have been your greatest supports and means of coping as an essential worker this past year?

Laura: The most reassuring thing this past year has been knowing that I am not alone. As a cashier at Metro, I am constantly ringing through healthcare professionals, trades people, first responders, and many other essential workers. Seeing these other essential workers all around me inspires and reminds me that we are all working through this together. To cope with the added pressures, I have been trying to take better care of myself this year both physically and mentally. With any extra spare time I have, I’ve been keeping my mind busy by working hard on my university application portfolios.

What made you pursue the work you do in your current jobs? What lead you to take a job in this community?

Laura: Working at Metro has been my part-time job for many years. In early pandemic days, I saw how quickly we would run out of stock. I realized then how important working in a grocery store is. I decided I needed to do more so I took on other roles in the store.

I joined the team at Tranquility Place because I recognized the community needed assistance. I knew that I needed to step up and do my part to help Brantford’s senior population. It will be very bittersweet to move on from these jobs as I go on to study my passion of theatre in university.

What was your training/education?

Laura: I took on the part-time jobs at both Metro and Tranquility Place as a high school student. When I started, I went through each workplace’s specific orientation and training programs. However, training, learning, and adapting never stops in my jobs. I participate in training programs, group communications, staying on top of directives and policies from the provincial government, local public health, and other governing bodies.

What advice would you give to someone interested in following a similar path?

Laura: For students looking to start their employment and career path, I would like them to know that both jobs have been great experiences for me. Lots of chances for new things. Both Metro and Tranquility Place offer opportunities for developing career pathways.

My best advice for students looking for a part time job is to get involved in the community and get your name out there; you never know when the perfect opportunity may come up.

For local training, certification and volunteer and entry level job opportunities for positions like Laura’s:

Job & Training Opportunities

Careers | Metro

Ontario – Sobeys Jobs (sobeyscareers.com)

Retail as a Career Scholarship Program | Retail Council of Canada

Certified Food Handler : Retail Council of Canada – RetailEducation

Food / Beverage | ontariocolleges.ca

Student Employment 2021 – Haldimand County

Get help finding a youth or student job | Ontario.ca

Free Training for Hospitality Industry – Skills2Work | CCES Fanshawe College

Find jobs in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations-New Credit (workforceplanningboard.org)

Welcome to NPAAMB

Volunteering:

Chartwell Retirement Residences Volunteer Opportunities (careersatchartwell.com)

volunteers | brava-website (bravabrant.com)

Volunteer – City of Brantford

Volunteer – Brant County

Volunteer Opportunities – Norfolk County

Community Youth Resources and Assistance

Youth Employment Skills Strategy – Work Readiness and Advancement Program (WRAP) | St. Leonard’s (st-leonards.com)

Job Seeker :: Career Link

The Student Office – GREAT (greatsn.com)

Celebrating Grand Erie’s Essential Workers – Kate

by WPBGE | Feb 11, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie is paying tribute to essential workers in our community. Today in our Frontline Fridays feature we talk to Kate Wight (shown at left in photo) who works as a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant at the John Noble Home, a long term care facility in Brantford. Visit: John Noble Home (jnh.ca)

Thank you to all our essential workers who have helped us cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in Brantford, Six Nations, New Credit, and the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk.

What does an average day look like for you?

Kate: Working in the Recreation Department at John Noble Home in Brantford, my typical day starts with reviewing reports from the last shift and making sure that I have all my supplies and equipment ready to go to run my day smoothly. I connect with our team before starting my daily Therapeutic Recreation (TR) programs. Our programs improve our residents’ quality of life physically, emotionally, and socially by helping them engage in recreational activities. Normally these activities may include arts and crafts, music, dance, sports, theatre, games, and community outings.

When I am not providing TR programs, I work on our monthly calendars, planning meaningful programs for the residents and completing assessments. Recreation assists with both annual and admission care conferences for each resident in the home. Each day, we must be sure that proper documentation is inputted by the end of our shift.

What has it been like to be an essential worker during the pandemic?

Kate: Being an essential worker during the pandemic has helped me become more flexible and adaptable in my daily routine. I believe learning to adapt to change is key to success in my work.

During the pandemic our daily program calendar has shifted to either small group programs or “one to one” visits. Under current Ministry guidelines, only essential caregivers are coming into the home, we have our own designated area and assist with bringing together residents with their loved ones virtually through Skype and Facetime. This has proven to be a meaningful connection during these unprecedented times and it has been great for getting to know each resident and their families more closely/intimately. We encourage families to send letters or pictures through our home’s email as well.

What made you pursue your career? What lead you to take a job in this community?

Kate: 5 years ago I made a mid-life career change. I attained a diploma in Recreation and Leisure Services and Recreation Therapy from Canadore College. I volunteered at the Willet Hospital and did my placements at various local long term care homes including John Noble Home, where I have been employed since 2019. I pursued this career because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and support seniors in my community. Brant has always been my community and I wanted to give back in a positive way.

What have been the greatest rewards and challenges in your work?

Kate: Being a recent grad and coming into the field in the middle of a pandemic has been a challenge. It looks different from the way our job/role would look like pre-pandemic. The big reward this past year has been feeling like I am making a meaningful contribution during these uncertain times and knowing I am making a difference in the residents’ lives by engaging and providing comfort to both residents and families.

What have been your greatest supports and means of coping as an essential worker this past year?

Kate: My greatest support as an essential worker this past year has been having a strong peer base and knowing that we have a great supportive team as we navigate through this together.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing your career?

Kate: My advice to someone interested in pursuing this type of career would be to spend some time volunteering in a few different settings – retirement homes, day programs, long term care facilities or hospitals – to learn what would be a good fit for you. All these environments are fulfilling and rewarding in their own unique way.

Thank you to Kate for sharing her story and the staff of John Noble Home for all the tremendous work they do each day.

Local Training and Certification for careers like Kate’s:

Conestoga College:

Personal Support Worker | Full-time | Ontario College Certificate (conestogac.on.ca)

Mohawk College:

SkillsAdvance Ontario: Personal Support Worker Training – HSCI 10188, CRED 10148 | Mohawk College

Recreation Therapy – 283 | Mohawk College

Fanshawe College:

Gerontology – Interprofessional Practice | Fanshawe College

Skills2Work | CCES Fanshawe College

Six Nations Polytechnic:

Personal Support Worker (110) | Six Nations Polytechnic (snpolytechnic.com)