Personal Care Aide - ALWAYS HIRING

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides patient care services, companion care (homemaker) services and other designated health related services to medically fragile clients and their families, according to a written plan of care. A patient care assistant’s work environment may involve exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of personal protective equipment. Employee may be required to adapt to various home conditions including, but not limited to, temperatures in excess of eighty (80) degrees and below fifty-five (55) degrees, humidity, working around client’s family or pets, cigarette smoke, dust or infectious diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, some college or post-high school education preferred

Credentials: None

Experience: Six (6) months paid experience as agency homemaker, health aide, maid or household worker or at least one year experience, paid or unpaid, in caring for children, sick or aged individuals; or successful completion of a formal course in basic nursing are or nurse aide training within the last 12 months.

Core Competencies: Ability to demonstrate skills and knowledge in maintaining a safe home environment. Ability to read, write, and follow directions. Ability to work with dying patients and their families. Possesses a sympathetic attitude toward caring for the patient and demonstrates positive communication skills in interacting with other members of the team.

Other: Eighteen (18) years of age or older per state guidelines. Reliable transportation and working telephone as required by nature of the position. Must provide proof of auto insurance.

FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILILITIES:

1. Provides personal care services and assists in activities of daily living (ADL) including, but not limited to personal hygiene, eating dressing and ambulation.

2. Performs various household duties essential to health care at home including, but not limited to, disposal of infectious waste, pest control, cleaning soiled linen, simple meal preparation and housekeeping.

3. Performs necessary errands and/or shops for essential items.

4. Provides companionship for the client while primary caretaker is unavailable.

5. Documents visits, assessments, and/or any significant changes in client’s condition and timely submits documentation to the appropriate personnel.

6. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.

7. Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control measures.

8. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor.

9. Responsible for reporting any patient concerns/injuries to direct supervisor as appropriate.

10. Ability to read, write, and follow directions and perform duties assigned with minimum supervision.

11. Ability to deal effectively and courteously with clients, families and co-workers.

12. Ability to exhibit an empathetic attitude toward the sick and elderly.

13. Ability to work one weekend per month

14. Complies with hospice policies and procedures, laws, regulations and standards of practice.