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PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER

Schedule

Independent contractor

Location

Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas

About Wellura

 

Wellura is an innovative, premium home care service in Waterloo  Region. We're building something different - a truly integrated care model  where a Care Coordinator manages all aspects of a client's care (PSW  services, companion care, home maintenance, transportation coordination).  We're focused on preventive, coordinated care that helps seniors and adults  with disabilities maintain independence at home with dignity and safety. 

We're in our founding phase, building our initial client base before public launch,  and we need expert (the best of the best) PSW's our clients.

Position Overview 

Wellura is seeking experienced, compassionate PSWs to join our network as  independent contractors. This is an opportunity for PSWs who want the flexibility  of contractor status while being part of a premium, concierge-style care model  that coordinates comprehensive health and home services for clients. 

As an independent contractor, you will: 

  • Maintain your own liability insurance coverage 

  • Be responsible for your own taxes, CPP, and EI contributions Provide your own transportation and supplies  

  • Invoice Wellura for services provided according to agreed rates Maintain all required certifications and professional standards  independently

  • You will work with a diverse client base including seniors aging at home, adults  with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and individuals with cognitive  needs.

  • This role is ideal for PSWs who value autonomy, have strong business  management skills, and want to be part of a quality-focused care network. 

Who This Role is For 

This position is ideal for PSWs who: 

  • Want to focus on direct client care, not administrative or supervisory duties

  • Take pride in being a reliable, steady presence for clients and families 

  • Want to be part of Wellura's concierge-style care model that coordinates  health, home services and comprehensive support 

Key Responsibilities - Direct Personal Care 

For Seniors and Aging Adults: 

  • Provide personal care with activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing,  toileting, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance, and transfers 

  • Assist with feeding and meal preparation as required

  • Medication administration and reminders per care plan (within PSW  scope) 

  • Monitor vital signs and report changes to your Care Coordinator 

  • Support with range-of-motion exercises, repositioning, and skin care

  • Provide incontinence care and ostomy care as needed 

  • Assist with dementia care, Alzheimer's support, and other complex care  needs

 

For Adults with Developmental or Intellectual Disabilities 

  • Provide personal care adapted to individual abilities and comfort levels 

  • Support clients in developing and maintaining life skills (cooking, shopping,  budgeting, hygiene routines) 

  • Implement individualized support plans that promote independence and  skill-building 

  • Assist with community participation (appointments, recreation, social  activities, volunteering) 

  • Help clients pursue their interests, hobbies, and goals 

  • Support communication using various methods (verbal, visual supports,  communication devices) 

  • Apply positive behavioural support strategies and de-escalation  techniques 

  • Provide respectful, person-centered care that honours client autonomy  and choices 

Care Coordination & Communication 

  • Follow established care plans and adapt to changing client needs 

  • Document care provided accurately in our system after each visit 

  • Communicate regularly with families, healthcare providers, and your Care  Coordinator 

  • Identify home safety concerns and flag for follow-up 

  • Notice non-clinical needs (home repairs, yard maintenance) and alert the  coordination team so we can arrange appropriate Wellura services 

  • Collaborate with Companion Caregivers and other team members 

Qualifications & Requirements 

Required 

  • Valid Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate from a recognized  program 

  • Proof of current professional liability insurance (minimum $2 million  coverage) 

  • Minimum 2 years of combined experience in PSW and DSW roles (home  care, long-term care, group homes, community settings, or developmental services) 

  • Experience supporting adults with developmental or intellectual  disabilities—either through DSW work or in your PSW practice 

  • Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification 

  • Clear Vulnerable Sector Check (renewed every 5 years) 

  • Valid Ontario driver's license (G) and owns (or has free access to) a  reliable vehicle with insurance 

  • Strong clinical skills across all PSW competencies 

  • Good communication skills (verbal and written) 

  • Comfortable using digital tools for documentation and scheduling Preferred 

  • 3+ years of experience across PSW and DSW settings 

  • Formal DSW diploma or certificate (in addition to PSW certification) • Experience working with dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other  complex care needs 

  • Experience with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral  palsy, or other developmental disabilities 

  • Training in positive behavioural support strategies, de-escalation  techniques, or crisis intervention 

  • Palliative/end-of-life care experience 

  • Familiarity with person-directed planning, active support, or other  strength-based approaches 

  • Experience teaching life skills (cooking, money management, community  navigation) 

  • Additional certifications (specialized dementia training, wound care,  palliative care, developmental disabilities training) 

Essential Contractor Qualities 

  • Deep compassion combined with strong clinical judgment 

  • Patience, flexibility, and emotional regulation—especially in challenging  moments 

  • Genuine respect for client autonomy and individual preferences 

  • Strong observational skills—you notice small changes and speak up early 

  • Reliability and consistency—clients and families can count on you 

  • Comfortable working with diverse populations and adapting your  approach 

  • Team player who communicates openly and collaborates well 

  • Pride in your work and commitment to quality care 

What Success Looks Like in This Role

  • Clients and families trust you completely and request you by name 

  • You adapt your care approach thoughtfully to each client's needs and  preferences 

  • You identify and flag small concerns before they become big problems 

  • You document thoroughly and communicate proactively with your Care  Coordinator 

  • You show up on time, every time, and clients know they can rely on you

  • You work collaboratively with our Companion Caregivers and other  Wellura team members 

  • Families feel confident and at ease when you're providing care 

Schedule & Compensation 

Hours: Part-time (20-30 hrs/week) with opportunity to move to full-time 

  • Flexible scheduling with input on your preferred days/times 

  • Mix of weekday, evening, and weekend shifts 

  • Consistent clients when possible—we prioritize relationship continuity 

Compensation: $28-32/hour depending on experience & specialized skills 

  • Higher end of range for candidates with 3+ years’ experience or  specialized skills (developmental disabilities, dementia, palliative care) 

  • Mileage reimbursement for travel between client locations 

How to Apply 

Send your resume and a brief cover letter (250-400 words) addressing: 

  1. Your experience working in PSW and/or DSW settings—what unique  perspective does this give you in supporting clients? 

  2. Your experiences as an independent contractor. 

  3. Describe a situation where you helped someone build a new skill or  increase their independence (could be a senior or an adult with a  developmental disability) 

  4. What appeals to you about Wellura and our concierge style business  model? 

Email: careers@wellura.ca 

Subject Line: PSW – Independent Contractor

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