Team News

Extreme Weather Alert – Cold and Snow

Hi all;

Weather forecasts are subject to change, but looking ahead to the next five days, minus 16 degrees and 4 days of snow, that is definitely a forecast that should have us thinking about being prepared.

• Do you have stairs or sidewalks that need to be shoveled and spread with salt?  Do you have a shovel, broom, and/or salt?
• Do you have enough groceries to last a few days when it might be hard to get to the store?
• Consider travel times and give yourself lots of time to get to work. Buses may have trouble in the snow and traffic will be slow.
• Enjoy the snow and cold weather safely – dress warmly, go out with a buddy, stay close to home.
• Ask for help.  If there is something you need to be safe over the weekend, please reach out and ask for assistance.

 

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Covid 19 Update – Dec 15, 2021 – Booster Shots for Spectrum Employees

Hi Spectrum Employees;

Immunization BC is coordinating access to booster vaccination shots for Covid-19 based on risk groups, age, interval between dose 1 and 2, and time since second dose. These considerations and analysis have resulted in prioritizing booster shots for B.C.’s most vulnerable populations including those ages 70 and over, Indigenous peoples ages 18 and over, and populations that received their second dose on or before March 15, 2021.

Health care workers in specific settings (e.g., long-term care facilities) are also a priority for a booster shot.  A decision has been made to include staff working in CLBC-funded group homes in this category of health care workers because of the direct support these staff provide to immune vulnerable individuals and because these group homes are congregate settings where there is increased risk of COVID-19 transmission.  Health care workers – including staff in CLBC-funded group homes – will be invited for their COVID-19 booster shots between now and the end of January 2022.

Staff who work in CLBC-funded group homes, are eligible for a booster dose in the same priority category as health care workers in Long Term Care/Assisted Living Staff, Physicians and Workers. Most Spectrum managers and front-line workers are in this category as you work with people who live in staffed residential homes and provide support to immune vulnerable individuals. What you need to do: Starting immediately staff in CLBC-funded Group Homes can follow the link below to self-identify in the Long Term Care/Assisted Living Staff, Physicians and Worker group.  You need to have ready the following information to complete your self-identification on the system: PHN (Personal Health Number, found on the back of your Driver’s License or CareCard). Date of Birth. Date of a previous COVID-19 vaccine (either Dose 1 or Dose 2). Target Population Access Code: H3962N! 2.Go to the Get Vaccinated online system here: https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/s/d3-target-self-identification Note: if you are not yet registered on the Get Vaccinated provincial website, you will be directed to a webpage to do so before you are able to complete this step. After you have entered the required information the system will redirect you to a second page to indicate which specific category you fall into (please select Long Term Care/Assisted Living Staff, Physicians and Workers group). You will be asked to certify that the information provided is accurate. If any of the information you enter does not match what health has on file, you may be redirected to contact the call centre for assistance and to verify your information. Once you complete these steps, you are identified in the system and will be invited by the system to access your COVID-19 booster shot when it’s your turn to book an appointment. Please wait for your invite rather than phoning the call centre. Drop-ins at clinics or pharmacies are not permitted for booster shots.

 

PLEASE NOTE: This self-identification link and access code are intended only for identified health care workers. By choosing to self-identify through this service, you are acknowledging that you have received this code from your employer. This link and code are not transferrable. If the code is mis-used it will be cancelled and the ability to continue with the vaccination through this program may be compromised. Anyone booking an appointment who is not an eligible member of this group will be turned away at the clinic.

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If you have a friend, family member or meet someone in the community that is interested in joining the team and you refer them to Spectrum, you could be eligible for a referral bonus!

If the person referred is hired and maintains at least 9 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $50 Referral Bonus.

*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org

We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!

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RISE Community Groups and Workshops

For info or to register:

• Email info@cnh.bc.ca
• Call Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 604-435-0323
• Or ask a RISE Staff member

Spots are limited.  Registration required.

Please click these links below for further details:

Rise Groups

RISE Spring 2021 Workshops Info

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It is a great time to review the contents of emergency medical and earthquake kits in your home. 

Are your water and food rations currently dated? Other items like glow sticks and batteries have expiry dates. It’s a good time to make sure everything is up to date.

Did you use some of the medical supplies during the year?  Now is a great time to order replacement items.  Please note that WCB First Aid Kits are required in all of the homes that are staffed.

Have there been changes in the number of people residing in your home?  Do you need more or less supplies?

Have any of the people you live with changed their diets over the past year? Do you need to change the dietary foods in their earthquake kits?

If you need help with restocking your emergency medical and earthquake supplies please feel free to contact Judy Smith at judy@spectrumsociety.org for assistance.

It is a good time to review all safety procedures in the home; making sure that exit routes are clear of debris, including accessing risk factors (for example, moving items on shelves that could fall and moving heavy items to bottom shelves instead of top shelves). Are all staff are familiar with where emergency care items are stored?  Please review the following information from our policy manual with the staff and individuals you support. Include staff to join on skype or zoom if you cannot meet in person so everyone is familiar with this process.

(https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/General%20Policies/34.0.EmergencyPreparedness.pdf)

When you have completed your Earthquake Drill please record this information on Sharevision.

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How to Register for First Aid:

We recommend obtaining and/or renewing your First Aid through St. John’s Ambulance with the Emergency First Aid Community Care course. If there is another course offered by a different provider, please contact Human Resources prior to enrolling to determine if it is equivalent and meets the basic requirements.

To obtain/renew through St John’s Ambulance, please call (604) 321-7242

• They above number is their main line, but they have a number of locations across the lower mainland if you would like to call a location directly: http://www.sja.ca/English/About-Us/Pages/Locations.aspx
• Register yourself for Emergency First Aid Community Care.

If an employee does not have a valid first aid certificate upon hire, the fee to obtain or renew certification is the responsibility of the employee. Future renewal fees for active employees are covered by Spectrum.

• If you are renewing your first aid, ask St. John Ambulance to invoice Spectrum Society
• Let them know Spectrum Society will be paying for your course fee.

*St. John Ambulance may request authorization from Spectrum. Email hr@spectrumsociety.org with the date/location you want to complete the course and we will call them to confirm your registration.

First Aid is a requirement for employment as indicated in ‘Policy 4: Requirements for Employment. Below is a link to Spectrum’s First Aid policy:

https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/Personnel%20Policies/P04.0.Requirements.for.Employment.pdf

For employees renewing their first aid, please ensure St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) includes the CPR pocket mask with your first aid registration. If the CPR pocket mask is not included with your registration fee, SJA requires attendees pay for this on the day of course completion; you can save your receipt and submit it to Human Resources for reimbursement.  

Please email your certificate of course completion to hr@spectrumsociety.org to have your file updated.

Please let Judy know if you have any questions or issues registering, by emailing judy@spectrumsociety.org