The OPSEU/SEFPO PSW Network has selected “Professional Support Provider (PSP)” as their preferred standardized title for the profession.
In a survey sent out to the PSW Network, members were asked to select the professional title they prefer from a list of six possible titles. 42% of respondents chose “Professional Support Provider (PSP)”. The five other titles received much less support, with only 17% support for the next runner up.
- 42% – Professional Support Provider (PSP)
- 17% – Professional Care Attendant (PCA)
- 14% – Practical Support Provider (PSP)
- 12% – Client Support Provider (CSP)
- 10% – Personal Care Provider (PCP)
- 5% – Supportive Care Aide (SCA)
There are currently more than 50 titles being used across Canada for this work, and PSW is just one of them. This lack of standardization is confusing to both workers and their clients. It’s so important to have a professional title that people recognize, respect, and that reflects what PSWs do.
There is currently a project funded by the federal government to develop national occupational standards for unregulated care providers (also known as PSWs) who complete the 8-month training program. OPSEU/SEFPO’s PSW Advocate and Researcher, Laura Bulmer, is a member of the working group that is developing these national occupational standards. As a result of this poll, Laura will be advocating for the title “Professional Support Provider (PSP)” as the standardized title for the profession on behalf of OPSEU/SEFPO. Laura also works with the Canadian Association of Continuing Care Educators and will be informing them of these results as well.
Thank-you to all PSW Network members who took part in this survey! OPSEU/SEFPO is committed to working with you to advocate for your profession. If you are a PSW or do the work of a PSW with a different title, sign up for OPSEU/SEFPO’s PSW Network today!