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Personal Support Worker (PSW) Jobs in Canada

Sector: Healthcare Support & Other · Typical gross pay: 17.5–29 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Quebec (Montreal), Ontario, New Brunswick / Nova Scotia

CV REQUIRED: candidates without a CV are not considered. Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
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Pay snapshot What you’ll do Requirements Work conditions Candidate portrait How to apply FAQ

Hiring story

Employers across Canada hire PSWs when care teams need reliable, hands-on support for daily living. The role is practical and people-focused: you help clients stay safe, comfortable, and respected—at home, in long-term care, or in assisted living settings.

Note: this page describes a typical PSW profile. Tasks and checks can differ by province, facility type, and client needs.

What employers value most: steady attendance, safe transfers, respectful communication, and consistent documentation.

Pay snapshot (gross) & what changes the rate

Typical gross pay for PSW roles often sits within a broad range depending on province, employer type, and shift premiums. Always confirm the exact rate in the offer.

Gross: 17.5–29 CAD/hour Shift premiums: evenings/nights/weekends (where applicable) Overtime: commonly paid after threshold (policy/site dependent)

Typical gross range

  • Entry-level / non-union sites often start lower
  • Unionized facilities and specialized units can pay higher
  • Remote or hard-to-fill schedules may add premiums

Pay factors (common)

  • Province and local labour market
  • Setting: home care vs. long-term care vs. hospital-adjacent
  • Experience and relevant training
  • Overtime and shift differentials
  • Deductions: statutory (tax/EI/CPP) + union dues (if applicable)

These figures are indicative and shown as gross (before deductions). The final rate depends on the offer, schedule, and site policy.

What you’ll do (day-to-day)

A PSW supports clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and basic comfort measures. The exact task mix depends on whether the role is home support, long-term care, or a mixed setting.

Core tasks

  • Personal care support (hygiene, dressing, toileting) aligned with the care plan
  • Safe transfers and mobility assistance (using proper techniques and equipment)
  • Meal preparation support and basic nutrition/hydration reminders (when assigned)
  • Light housekeeping related to client safety and comfort (role/site dependent)
  • Observation and simple reporting: documenting changes and escalating concerns

Care environment & teamwork

  • Handover notes between shifts; basic documentation as required by the site
  • Respect for privacy, consent, and dignity in all interactions
  • Infection prevention routines: hand hygiene, cleaning protocols, PPE use
  • Working under supervision (nursing/charge staff) per facility policy
  • De-escalation and calm communication when clients are stressed or confused
People-focused role • safety-first • routine discipline

Requirements & documents for legal work

Common requirements (typical)

  • English communication at a basic workplace level (A2+ as a practical baseline)
  • PSW training/certificate (often required; naming and standard vary by province/employer)
  • Reliability, punctuality, and ability to follow a written care plan
  • Physical readiness for standing, walking, and safe assisting (role dependent)
  • First Aid/CPR (asset; sometimes required on specific sites)

Work authorization basics (high-level)

  • Work in Canada requires proper authorization (employer-specific or open work permission)
  • Employers may request identity verification and eligibility checks
  • Additional requirements can apply for regulated settings or vulnerable populations

Background checks (when applicable)

  • Criminal record check and/or vulnerable sector screening (common in care roles)
  • Reference checks, especially for facility-based positions
  • Immunization status or health clearance may be requested by a site policy

Requirements differ by province and employer. Provide your certificates and describe your care experience clearly in your CV.

Work conditions in Canada (typical)

Schedule & overtime

  • Common schedules: day/evening/night rotation; weekends based on staffing
  • Shift length varies by site (often 8–12 hours)
  • Overtime and premiums depend on employer policy and provincial rules

Safety, standards & tools

  • Safety mindset is mandatory: proper lifting, transfers, and fall-prevention routines
  • PPE use and infection prevention practices are standard in most settings
  • Assistive devices may include gait belts, walkers, wheelchairs, and transfer aids (site-provided)
Accommodation & travel: some remote projects may offer arrangements, but most PSW roles are local hires. Avoid assumptions—confirm details in the offer.

Candidate portrait

You are a good fit if you…

  • can follow a care plan precisely and still treat people with warmth and dignity
  • stay calm during busy hours and communicate clearly with supervisors and families
  • use safe body mechanics and ask for help when a transfer requires two-person support
  • respect privacy, consent, and boundaries in every interaction
  • show up reliably and handle routine tasks consistently
  • can document essentials and report changes without delay
  • are comfortable with shift work (including weekends) when required

This role is not for you if you…

  • avoid personal care tasks or feel uncomfortable with hygiene/toileting support
  • prefer unstructured work without procedures, checklists, or supervision
  • cannot commit to punctual attendance or last-minute schedule changes
  • dislike documentation or reporting concerns in a timely manner
  • take shortcuts with safety, PPE, or infection prevention routines

How to apply (CV required)

  1. Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Add: care setting (home support / LTC / assisted living), shifts you can work, and provinces you consider
  3. List certificates and checks you already have (CPR/First Aid, PSW training, screening, references)
  4. Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
Tip: If you have experience with dementia care, mobility support, or facility routines, highlight it with 2–3 concrete bullet points.

Related roles in Healthcare Support & Other

Internal links to similar vacancies.

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Pay: 16–28 CAD/h · Locations: British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia / Newfoundland and Labrador
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FAQ

Is a CV required?

Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.

Do I need PSW training or a certificate?

Many employers require PSW training, but exact expectations vary by province and site. If you have related healthcare support training, list it clearly in your CV.

What affects pay the most?

Province, setting (home care vs. facility), experience, overtime and shift premiums. Union/non-union status may also change the final gross rate.

Where are typical locations for this page?

Quebec (Montreal), Ontario, New Brunswick / Nova Scotia. Actual sites vary by project and season.