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Health Care Assistant Careers

Overview of Health Care Assistant workers

In British Columbia, the term Health Care Assistant (HCA) is used to describe a variety of workers including, but not limited to, the following titles: Community Health Worker, Care Aide, Long-Term Care Attendant, Nurse’s Aide, Assisted Living Worker, Home Support Worker and Personal Support Worker.

While the educational requirements are the same, the work environments are very different. A Care Aide works in a team environment or acute facility and a Community Health Worker works independently, travelling to client’s homes. The demographic cared for are generally medically fragile, cognitively complex, and diverse in age.

Typical responsibilities of a Care Aide or Community Health Worker

Personal care and activities of daily living including; bathing, taking temperature, personal grooming, skin care, medication reminders, pulse and respiration, and oral hygiene
Non-sterile dressing applications
Mobility and transfer assistance with related lifts
Observing and reporting changes in client behaviour and condition

Health Care Assistant (HCA) Dual Credit Program for high school students

High school students! Did you know that you might be eligible to participate in a school-funded HCA dual credit-training program? You can earn dual credits that count towards your high school diploma and your HCA certificate at the same time! For more info, follow these steps:

E-mail careers@interiorhealth.ca to let us know that you’re interested.
Talk to your school counsellor to learn about HCA Dual Credit program opportunities at your school
Check out the Interior Health HCA postings to see what kinds of opportunities are waiting for you after graduation

Check out the video below to see what some of the HCA dual credit students have to say about the program:

The HCA Dual Credit program is an awesome way to jumpstart your healthcare career right out of high school. E-mail us today to get started.

Community Health Workers provide the font line support that is crucial for our clients to remain independent and active in their homes and their communities. To meet the needs of an increasingly aging and complex population, these employees are committed to ensuring Interior Health can deliver a high standard of patient centered care.

-- Susan Brown, CEO

I have the more tremendous respect for the care aides and the work they do each and every day. They are entrusted with the care of our most vulnerable and deliver that care with dedication and compassion, giving a voice to those that can’t necessarily speak up for themselves! Thank you to you all!

-- Johanna Evison, Manager Clinical Operations

A career as a Health Care Assistant is a rewarding path, allowing you to make a difference in people’s lives every day. When you pursue a career with Interior Health, you join one of the biggest employers within the Okanagan region.

-- Jon Clare, Executive Director, Clinical Operations South Okanagan

Frequently Asked Questions about Health Care Assistants

Where can I register with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry?

Visit the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry website

I am an internationally educated health care professional, how can I become registered?

Visit the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry's - Nursing Student in Canada webpage

What does a complete application look like at Interior Health?

As an applicant to a Care Aide or Community Health Worker position, we require that you meet specific qualifications before we may consider you for a position. We generally receive a high number of applications for these positions, so in order to set your application apart from the rest, a GREAT application will include:

A cover letter and CV (or resume)
A copy of your Health Care Assistant certificate
Your current registration number with the BC Care Aide Registry (please contact them ahead of time at 1-877-867-3061 to ensure that your information is up to date on the online registry as it will delay the application process if we are unable to locate you)
For Community Health Worker positions only: a valid British Columbia driver’s license and reliable vehicle is required as you will be traveling to client’s homes. If you have a valid driver’s license and vehicle, please make sure you indicate this on your application.

If I have completed the Health Care Assistant Program outside of B.C. or Canada, am I eligible to work in as an HCA for Interior Health?

You may be eligible to work as a HCA. Please check with www.cachwr.bc.ca for eligibility.

How can I find out about new job postings?

What is a casual position?

Many of our opportunities are casual in nature. Casual means there are no guaranteed hours and work requirements can vary from zero to 40 hours per week, depending on your collective agreement. Casual employment includes: short-notice, on-call availability; workload coverage during a temporary absence; and/or providing relief coverage in a specific position. Once hired into a casual role, employees are eligible to apply for internal postings including permanent part time or full time positions. There are many opportunities with IH that begin with casual on-call positions and lead to regular employment.

Are there ways I can increase my hours if I accept a casual position?

Yes. The more available you are, the more hours you’re likely to get. Health care is offered 24/7 so we have many shifts to offer. If you have just accepted a position, you can expect evening, weekend and night shifts. It is exciting to be able to try all different shifts and gain experience in different areas. As you begin to accrue your hours, you will be able to increase your seniority and bid on a position that fits best with your lifestyle.

Are casuals required to work a minimum number of hours in a year?

Yes. The Community Bargaining Association and Facilities Bargaining Associations have negotiated language into their collective agreements whereby the employer may require a minimum number of hours to be worked by casual employees in order to maintain their employment. The minimum required hours are 225 per year which is equivalent to working 6 weeks with full time hours. Please speak to your manager on the specific process related to your bargaining unit.

What type of career growth does Interior Health offer?

We recognize that career planning, such as support and growth opportunities, are important considerations when choosing an employer. Our hope is that once you join our team, you will find room to grow in whatever path you seek. We encourage our employees to develop professionally – whether it is through continued education, learning from team members and/or patients, or taking your career in an entirely new direction.

Where can I get more information on a health care assistant career with Interior Health?

Please email us at: external.recruitment@interiorhealth.ca. A member of our recruitment team will be happy to assist you.

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