Lead CNA - Home Care

Job Summary

The lead CNA position reports to the Home Care Manager and is responsible for establishing support and leadership among the home care CNAs and Homemakers. This position works collegially with the Home Care Scheduler and serves as a back-up for HC Scheduler.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serves as a mentor and trains new CNA/homemaker employees as well as provides ongoing support to established staff. Assists in interview process for new staff as appropriate and contributes to CNA/homemaker 90-day evaluations and annual performance evaluations.
• Coordinate with Nursing Manager to ensure completion of 90 day CNA and Homemaker regulatory visits are scheduled and completed. 
• Enters HC care plans into the scheduling software, making sure that all pertinent information is available to CNAs and Homemakers. Routinely reviews Homemaker/HHA Care Notes to ensure proper documentation.
• Assists in problem solving for difficult cases, including but not restricted to personality or behavior issues, ppt refusing services, ppt doesn’t open the door, etc. Reports any concerns or training needs to supervisor.
• Communicates with HC scheduler regarding delivery of services and changes in orders that will impact care. Works with HC scheduler to coordinate and evaluate home services to maintain appropriate scheduling according to authorization of services.
• Develops close working relationship with the HC scheduler and meets with HC Manager and HC scheduler to maintain a close, collaborative effort.
• Is proficient in the use of the home care scheduling software and provides training and support to the CNAs and homemakers in the use of the software.
• Completes caregiver profile for all PACE homemakers and CNAs in the scheduling software, being sure to indicate allergies or sensitivity to cigarette smoke or pets, and languages spoken.
• Communicate with participants and/or caregivers regarding services including review of the home health plan of care tasks. Communicates with Nursing staff regarding any discrepancies regarding tasks. 
• Coordinate communication between home care aides and interdisciplinary team members.
• Collaborates with the Rehab Department to ensure CNA knowledge of in-home exercise programs, use of DME to promote proper positioning and proper transfer techniques. Report to RN or Rehab any DME noted to be malfunctioning by CNAs or Homemakers.
• Reports any CNA or homemaker concerns regarding food insecurity, family dysfunction and/or signs of emotional instability to the team social worker.
• Observes, documents and reports to primary care staff or IDT any change in participant condition.
• Shares responsibility with HC Manager for periodic home visits to attend family meetings, address problems and mentor staff.
• Will manage issues with infestations, making sure that home care staff are aware of the infestation and have the proper protective equipment. With the home care scheduler, communicates this to vendors involved and makes sure protective equipment is provided.
• Assists the HC scheduler to seek coverage for callouts, unfilled shifts and other urgent home care needs.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to mentor new staff. Organized and capable of handling multiple assignments at once. 
• Provides ongoing direction and teaching to CNAs and homemakers and evaluates their care and service delivery to ensure it meets PACE standards. 
• Ensures home care staff is informed and up to date with HC care plans and policy changes and new participant information or changes on participant’s functional status.
• Ensures home care staff is informed and up to date with HC care plans and policy changes and new participant information or changes on participant’s functional status.
• Coordinate use of Lyft for staff when needed.
• Assists staff and participants to file grievances when applicable and ensures the issues are formally documented and addressed within the department. 
• Is knowledgeable and adheres to all home care policies and procedures. Can identify appropriate resources when unsure of specific policies or procedures.
• Always protects participant and staff confidentiality.
• Coordinates and communicates with external contracted agencies regarding services and staffing needs. Maintains updated scheduled for agencies within Axis Care. Send referrals needed to external agencies utilizing the EMR capabilities. 
• As needed provides in-home care including personal care and housekeeping services as assigned. 
• Works rotating weekends and/or holidays as assigned for home care administration needs. 
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of clear, thorough documentation as crucial to good participant care; completes and enters accurate, thorough participant documentation in the electronic health record; enters documentation for assessments, orders, and notes within required timeframes.  
• Monitors completion of Relias and coordinates with Home Care Scheduler to schedule time for staff completion. 
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Dependable and punctual with ability to maintain consistent attendance.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend English.
• Ability to maintain sound judgement under stress and communicate effectively.
• Ability to proficiently perform clinical/skilled tasks associated within scope of position.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite or similar software.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent, Required

Physical Requirements

• Physical ability to regularly stoop, bend, kneel, lift, stand, walk, stretch and reach for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to regularly lift objects up to 25 pounds and at times up to 35 pounds.
• Must be able to assist a 200-250 lb. participant, using proper body mechanics. 
• Must have hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and/or to observe and communicate with participants. 
• Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises as well as related community care settings. 
• Must be able to tolerate conditions typically associated within a medical office and/or home care setting including potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. 
• Must be able to complete assignments in variable weather conditions and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments in participant homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, and cleaning supplies. 

Experience

• 3 years of CNA experience, Required
• 1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population, Preferred 

License & Certification Requirements

• Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant License (CNA) 

Position Requirements

• CPR Certification
• Driver's License & access to reliable transportation: community-based travel may be required. 

Management Responsibility: No

Time & Attendance Responsibility: No