Health Care Assistants provide essential direct patient care support in Department of National Defence (DND) health care facilities across Canada. Working under the supervision of nurses and other health care professionals, Health Care Assistants help patients with daily living activities, maintain patient comfort, and support the delivery of quality health care services to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families.
Your responsibilities will include assisting patients with personal hygiene, mobility, and grooming; taking and recording vital signs; maintaining clean and safe patient environments; and communicating patient needs to nursing staff. You will work as part of a collaborative health care team, contributing to patient safety and comfort in a structured medical setting. This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations in a professional health care environment.
Health Care Assistants work in DND medical clinics, hospitals, and health care facilities, which may include military bases, garrison towns, and specialized treatment centres across Canada. The work environment is structured around patient care schedules, which may include shift work, weekend, and holiday assignments.
Key Responsibilities
Provide general health care and social services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Health Care Assistant, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates have completed a formal Health Care Assistant certificate or diploma program from a recognized institution, though this is not always mandatory depending on the specific competition.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training and orientation specific to DND health care operations and procedures. Professional development opportunities are available through DND's learning and development programs, which may include specialized certifications in patient care, infection control, and emergency response. Some positions may require or support obtaining certifications such as First Aid, CPR, or other health care-related credentials. The Public Service promotes continuous learning, and you may be encouraged to pursue relevant professional development throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter the DND civilian Health Care Assistant career through several pathways:
Public Service Job Competitions: DND regularly advertises Health Care Assistant positions on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically include an application process and assessment.
Public Service Staffing Pools: Successful candidates from closed competitions may be placed in staffing pools, making you eligible for future hiring actions without recompeting.
Student and Graduate Programs: DND offers programs for recent high school graduates and post-secondary graduates interested in Public Service careers, which may lead to Health Care Assistant positions.
Lateral Moves: Current Government of Canada or Canadian Armed Forces employees may apply for Health Care Assistant positions as part of internal job competitions or deployment opportunities.
We encourage you to regularly check jobs.gc.ca and the DND careers website for current openings in your region.
Part-Time Options
Health Care Assistant positions are typically full-time permanent or term positions within DND health care facilities. However, flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational needs and facility requirements.
Shift work is common in health care settings and may include early morning, afternoon, evening, and night shifts, as well as weekend and holiday assignments. These schedules ensure continuous patient care coverage. Work is primarily on-site in DND medical facilities, as direct patient care cannot be performed remotely.
If you are interested in flexible arrangements or part-time opportunities, we recommend discussing options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process, as availability varies by location and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
