We have not finished hearing talk of a labor shortage in the health network and institutions must innovate to attract candidates, even if it means taking shortcuts. The CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS (CIUSSSE-CHUS) thus proposes to hire new students registered in the training program as of January to become orderlies.
The health center unveiled its new strategy on Tuesday, stating that job interviews would begin next week, December 28. Unlike previous cohorts, candidates interested in training will first have to pass an interview to begin their training.
“What we assess in an interview, the first thing is soft skills. We want to make sure that the person has the know-how required to be able to work in a care environment with users,” explains the assistant director of integrated workforce management support at the CIUSSSE- CHUS, Marc-Antoine Rouillard.
The first cohorts should be launched in the school centers of Granby, Sherbrooke, Lennoxville and Coaticook. Other groups should eventually be added elsewhere in Estrie, particularly in the Magog, Lac-Mégantic and Windsor sectors.
By being chosen, the candidates will become full-fledged employees of the health center by earning a salary as a beneficiary attendant and enjoying all the social benefits in addition to accumulating seniority.
Their weekly schedule will consist of about three days of learning in a vocational training center, to which will be added one or two days of work in health establishments. After three months, students will become full-time employees, but they will continue to be supervised by their teachers to assess their skills until they graduate from vocational studies.
There is currently a shortage of about 300 attendants in all of the establishments managed by the Estrie health center. It is hoped that this initiative will meet some of the needs.
In addition, Mr. Rouillard points out that the expected opening of new seniors’ homes and the expansion of home care services will lead to an increase in needs.
The CIUSSSE-CHUS is thus betting that the entire cohort will be able to successfully complete the training and obtain a diploma.
“We will do everything to ensure that each person is successful. If ever people encounter difficulties, it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and we may be able to redirect them to other types of employment,” said the assistant director of human resources.
“There is a part of risk, but the need for labor as a beneficiary attendant is very real, very current, and we have to find ways to meet this need,” continues -he.
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