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:
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Maintain your own liability insurance coverage
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Be responsible for your own taxes, CPP, and EI contributions Provide your own transportation and supplies
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Invoice Wellura for services provided according to agreed rates Maintain all required certifications and professional standards independently
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You will work with a diverse client base including seniors aging at home, adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and individuals with cognitive needs.
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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:
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Want to focus on direct client care, not administrative or supervisory duties
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Take pride in being a reliable, steady presence for clients and families
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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:
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Provide personal care with activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, mobility assistance, and transfers
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Assist with feeding and meal preparation as required
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Medication administration and reminders per care plan (within PSW scope)
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Monitor vital signs and report changes to your Care Coordinator
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Support with range-of-motion exercises, repositioning, and skin care
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Provide incontinence care and ostomy care as needed
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Assist with dementia care, Alzheimer's support, and other complex care needs
For Adults with Developmental or Intellectual Disabilities
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Provide personal care adapted to individual abilities and comfort levels
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Support clients in developing and maintaining life skills (cooking, shopping, budgeting, hygiene routines)
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Implement individualized support plans that promote independence and skill-building
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Assist with community participation (appointments, recreation, social activities, volunteering)
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Help clients pursue their interests, hobbies, and goals
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Support communication using various methods (verbal, visual supports, communication devices)
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Apply positive behavioural support strategies and de-escalation techniques
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Provide respectful, person-centered care that honours client autonomy and choices
Care Coordination & Communication
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Follow established care plans and adapt to changing client needs
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Document care provided accurately in our system after each visit
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Communicate regularly with families, healthcare providers, and your Care Coordinator
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Identify home safety concerns and flag for follow-up
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Notice non-clinical needs (home repairs, yard maintenance) and alert the coordination team so we can arrange appropriate Wellura services
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Collaborate with Companion Caregivers and other team members
Qualifications & Requirements
Required
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Valid Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate from a recognized program
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Proof of current professional liability insurance (minimum $2 million coverage)
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Minimum 2 years of combined experience in PSW and DSW roles (home care, long-term care, group homes, community settings, or developmental services)
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Experience supporting adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities—either through DSW work or in your PSW practice
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Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification
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Clear Vulnerable Sector Check (renewed every 5 years)
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Valid Ontario driver's license (G) and owns (or has free access to) a reliable vehicle with insurance
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Strong clinical skills across all PSW competencies
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Good communication skills (verbal and written)
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Comfortable using digital tools for documentation and scheduling Preferred
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3+ years of experience across PSW and DSW settings
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Formal DSW diploma or certificate (in addition to PSW certification) • Experience working with dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other complex care needs
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Experience with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other developmental disabilities
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Training in positive behavioural support strategies, de-escalation techniques, or crisis intervention
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Palliative/end-of-life care experience
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Familiarity with person-directed planning, active support, or other strength-based approaches
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Experience teaching life skills (cooking, money management, community navigation)
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Additional certifications (specialized dementia training, wound care, palliative care, developmental disabilities training)
Essential Contractor Qualities
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Deep compassion combined with strong clinical judgment
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Patience, flexibility, and emotional regulation—especially in challenging moments
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Genuine respect for client autonomy and individual preferences
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Strong observational skills—you notice small changes and speak up early
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Reliability and consistency—clients and families can count on you
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Comfortable working with diverse populations and adapting your approach
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Team player who communicates openly and collaborates well
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Pride in your work and commitment to quality care
What Success Looks Like in This Role
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Clients and families trust you completely and request you by name
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You adapt your care approach thoughtfully to each client's needs and preferences
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You identify and flag small concerns before they become big problems
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You document thoroughly and communicate proactively with your Care Coordinator
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You show up on time, every time, and clients know they can rely on you
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You work collaboratively with our Companion Caregivers and other Wellura team members
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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
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Flexible scheduling with input on your preferred days/times
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Mix of weekday, evening, and weekend shifts
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Consistent clients when possible—we prioritize relationship continuity
Compensation: $28-32/hour depending on experience & specialized skills
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Higher end of range for candidates with 3+ years’ experience or specialized skills (developmental disabilities, dementia, palliative care)
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Mileage reimbursement for travel between client locations
How to Apply
Send your resume and a brief cover letter (250-400 words) addressing:
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Your experience working in PSW and/or DSW settings—what unique perspective does this give you in supporting clients?
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Your experiences as an independent contractor.
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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)
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What appeals to you about Wellura and our concierge style business model?
Email: careers@wellura.ca
Subject Line: PSW – Independent Contractor
