Community Health Worker discovers true calling at Bayshore

Every morning at 7 a.m., Jody Scott starts her day by blasting music, singing along on her drive to work, and sipping Tim Hortons coffee. She’s excited to go to work, which she regards as the best job she’s ever had. Jody begins her shift by visiting her clients, catering to their physical needs through showering, changing, and meal provisions. She also ensures they feel acknowledged and valued through laughter, care, and companionship.

Jody works as a Community Health Worker (CHW) at Bayshore HealthCare (Bayshore) in Brockville, ON. The CHW program, designed for individuals with no prior healthcare experience, offers an online curriculum focused on home care. The curriculum, which can be completed in eight to nine weeks, is followed by a clinical placement. Throughout their training, students are paid and then guaranteed full-time employment with Bayshore upon successful completion of the program.

Jody says this role transformed her life and she wishes she had discovered it 25 years ago. She shares, “It’s the first job I’ve ever had that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. I’m in my late 50’s and I’ve found my calling. I love this job and I’m very happy that I ended up with Bayshore.”

Katy Allard, Jody’s primary Client Service Coordinator, describes her as a friendly, upbeat, and an asset to Bayshore. “Jody doesn’t rush through her visits. She takes her time to listen to the clients and has a great bond with everyone she meets,” Katy adds, “She does her very best every day. She is what every CHW should be like with their clients.”

Jody expresses how she owes a lot of her positive experience at Bayshore to her colleagues and Jennifer Steacy, Manager of Clinical Practice, for being supportive and helpful. “When I go to Jennifer with concerns, she makes the time to listen to me and helps find solutions,” she says. “She has helped me to make a difference with clients!”

Coming from a diverse background in retail and house cleaning, and even owning her own cleaning business, Jody found herself at a career crossroads during the pandemic. Faced with the challenges of working in retail, she discovered the CHW program at Bayshore online and decided to apply. Little did she know, this decision would reshape her career and bring immense joy to her life.

Jody is enthusiastic as she describes her journey with Bayshore. Her infectious positivity comes from the deep connections she forms with her clients, adding a personal touch that makes her job feel more like a fulfilling mission than work. “I try to find the best outcome,” she says, “I’ll go out of my way to help you if that’s what you need. I care.”

A memorable moment for Jody involved caring for a palliative client, a man whose challenging health condition didn’t deter his encouragement for her to keep a positive spirit. The emotional bond formed during his last days had a profound effect on Jody.

She recalls, “I remember the morning I came in, and he said to me, ‘Jody, the paddy wagon’s coming for me today.’ I started to cry.” She realized that she gets to be part of many wonderful people’s journeys. Even if it’s brief, she aims to make a positive difference in their lives and those of their families.

Jennifer describes Jody as a breath of fresh air. “Jody’s heart is on her sleeve, and she is not afraid to show her clients how much she cares about them,” she expresses. “I often wish I could clone her somehow, but the best I can do is ask that she train some of our new hires and students coming to us that need a preceptor, it is close to the next best thing!”