Hi, my name is Ambreen Merchant, and I work for Paramed. I’m one of the recruiters based in the Oakville office, and I handle hiring for Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and Milton. I specialize in finding the right Personal Support Workers (PSWs) to join our team, and I want to share some insights about what we look for in potential candidates.
As you probably know, PSW work is not for everyone. We’re looking for people with the right attitude—individuals who genuinely want to make a difference and have the work ethic to care for clients in the community. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling, and those who do this work need to be fully committed.
Our Partnership with triOS College
Last year, we had the opportunity to collaborate with triOS College, and we found some really great candidates through that partnership. One of the things I love about hiring triOS graduates is that they’re fresh out of school, and we have the chance to mold them into the kind of professionals we need. They come to us eager to learn, and we can guide them through our training, showing them how things are done. It’s a unique opportunity because many PSWs, after a while, develop certain habits, and here we get to set the standard right from the start.
What You Need to Know Before Becoming a PSW
If you’re considering a career as a PSW, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting yourself into. Sometimes people sign up for the job, but later realize it’s not what they expected. To prevent that, I make it a point to send potential hires a video after the interview. This video offers a glimpse into what a PSW does day-to-day, so they have a better idea of what the role actually entails. It’s important to know that while things may seem straightforward in school, the reality of the field can be quite different.
What We’re Looking for in a PSW
At Paramed, we value friendliness and a willingness to learn. The ideal PSW has a “go-getter” attitude and is open to picking up new skills. A positive attitude goes a long way, especially because communication is key in this job. You need to be able to connect with your clients, and if you can’t do that, this might not be the right path for you.
In the end, it’s about more than just meeting the technical requirements. We’re looking for people who can foster a friendly, supportive atmosphere for their clients, and who are committed to making a positive impact in the community. If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you on our team.
