Stage two: Understanding your new role and general workplace information.
My role as a health care support worker
The health care support worker role is non-clinical and non-direct. The role is intended to support the care team and the patients. Their role adds to the quality of life for the patients by spending one-to-one time with patients and helping care team members by freeing them up to provide more time providing clinical support to the patients.
If you have questions, please refer to the list of can/cannot do duties, to your job description, or speak to your site leader.
Who can I ask if I have questions about my work schedule as an HCSW?
Speak to your manager or program clerk at the site you are working. Employers are obligated to schedule work hours around the education part of the program.
How do I get a photo id?
You should have been provided one in your orientation. If you did not, please ask your program clerk or manager for one as you are required to wear it whenever you are working.
How does my pay work?
You will be paid $24.80 per hour when you are working as a Health care support worker. When you attend school, you are paid a stipend of $930.00 per week. (current as of April 2024)
Who do I ask if I have a question about my pay cheque?
Speak to the program clerk or manager at the site you are working.
Can I take vacation?
You can request up to 10 unpaid days off during the work portion of your program. Speak with your manager to request approval. Any requests for time off during school should be discussed with your Post-Secondary Institution, and are subject to their approval.
If you were already employed by the worksite before starting the program, you may request vacation as per the normal process.
What happens if I am sick?
If you are ill during your work or education component, please stay at home.
If you were already employed with your worksite prior to becoming a health care support worker, and have accrued sick time, you may access your bank for any sick time during your work component. If you are ill during the education component where you would normally have attended school, your Stipend pay is not adjusted.
If you are a new hire as a health care support worker, you do not have access to sick pay during your work component. If you are ill during the education component where you would normally have attended school, your Stipend pay is not adjusted.
Am I entitled to benefits?
Any new hires to Fraser Health are considered casual employees and may elect to purchase Dental and Extended Health (PBC) coverage following completion of 180 hours of work. Once you have reached these hours and are interested in pursuing the self-paid option, please contact Benefits & Employee Information at 604-520-4420 or by e-mail at PIB@fraserhealth.ca.
Is my position as a health care support worker unionized?
All Fraser Health health care support worker positions are unionized position under the Facilities Bargaining Association collective agreement (Health Employees Union).
How will I accrue seniority?
As a new hire, you will accrue seniority during the work component of the program only. If you previously held a position within the worksite prior to commencing the HCAP program, any hours spent in the work or education component will be included in seniority accrual.
Do I pay union dues on the stipend?
Yes, union dues are deducted from the stipend as required.
Where can I find my pay and benefit information, and update my personal information if needed?
You may access your pay and benefit information by clicking the myFHInfo button on the Pulse landing page then logging in. You may also access your pay and benefit information from home by clicking here. You can make updates to your personal information on myFHInfo as well.