Red Cross recruits 1,000 Canadians to join its humanitarian workforce in long-term care homes in Quebec

All successful candidates will receive the training and personal protective equipment (PPE) required to accomplish their tasks safely.(File: Pixabay Photo)

In support of the Government of Quebec the Canadian Red Cross has launched a recruitment campaign to build a humanitarian workforce of 1,000 individuals to work in long-term care homes. This workforce will support existing personnel and provide comfort and care to residents.

All successful candidates will receive the training and personal protective equipment (PPE) required to accomplish their tasks safely.

Go to redcross.ca/LTC for more information on available positions and to apply.

QUICK FACTS

Through its recruitment campaign, the Canadian Red Cross will:

• Recruit 1,000 people and build teams who will be deployed for a 4-week rotation
• Provide all training, supplies and supports required
• Recruit to address specific needs through the following roles:
  • Administrative Aide, Basic Care Personnel, Support Aide, Epidemic Prevention and Control Advisor, Site Manager, Health and Safety Advisor.

The Red Cross teams will work in support of the local authorities and local public health officials, as well as long-term care facilities’ management and personnel.

The Red Cross is able to provide this support in long-term care homes due, in part, to recent funding from the Government of Canada.

The Canadian Red Cross is well-positioned to respond to the needs in long-term care homes and will leverage the expertise of its Global Health Unit, a team of medical experts who are experienced in responding to emergencies around the world including Ebola and cholera outbreaks. The Red Cross is playing an important role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Quebec, the Red Cross has already been mobilized for several weeks to participate in the collective effort to reduce the negative impacts of this pandemic in long-term care homes.

At the request of the Montreal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS), the Canadian Red Cross provided components of its field hospital to assist those residing in the areas of Dorval, Lachine and LaSalle served by the Montreal West Island CIUSSS in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Red Cross personnel are organizing and delivering PPE and prevention of disease transmission training for people in the health network and those newly recruited who will help provide support in seniors’ housing in the West Island of Montreal. Red Cross specialists are also visiting long-term care homes for seniors to conduct assessments and provide advice on epidemic prevention and control.

QUOTE

“Working in long-term care homes is a natural fit for Red Cross personnel who are known around the world for their ability to respond to emergencies and address the needs of vulnerable populations. The impacts of COVID-19 on seniors in long-term care homes has been severe and devastating. The Canadian Red Cross is mobilized to build a humanitarian workforce who will provide vital assistance, and bring comfort and vital care to seniors.”
– Pascal Mathieu, Vice-President – Quebec, Canadian Red Cross