Nursing Colleges: Howard Community College

POSITION PURPOSE: The Home Care Aide performs services for the client as necessary to maintain the personal care and comfort of the client.  The Home Care Aide/Caregiver reports directly to the Office.

CLASSIFICATION: Nonexempt, Hourly
HOURS OF WORK: This position offers part-time, temporary employment dependent on the needs of the clients. Hours are not guaranteed on an hourly or weekly basis.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Understand, perform and adhere to the information and precautions contained in the client Home Plan of Care.
• Assist the client with personal care activities including: bathing, skin care, back rub, hair care, nail care, dressing and undressing, feeding, oral hygiene, shaving, grooming and bedtime preparation.
• Assist the client to the bathroom or in use of urinal or bedpan.  Keep incontinent clients clean and dry.
• Assist the client with self-administration of their medications.
• Assist the client with personal communication skills, as needed.
• Assist with transportation needs in accordance with the plan of care.
• Assist with meal planning, purchase of food and meal preparation.
• Assist with client’s laundry and bed linens.
• Prepare and maintain records of client progress and performed services, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
• Report all client and employee incidents/accidents to supervisor immediately.
• Assist the client with exercise, ambulation and transfer activities. Be aware of proper body mechanics.
• Ensure maintenance of a clean, safe, comfortable and healthy environment for the client.
• Conduct safety precautions including wiping wet floors and spills and eliminating other potential hazards immediately. Report safety hazards such as frayed electrical cords, unsecured handrails, malfunctioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors/alarms, defective equipment and/or or environmental hazards to supervisor on the same day of observation.
• Engage in respectful social interaction with client, including friendly conversation and empathic support, while respecting client’s privacy and property.
• Exhibit positive attitude and behavior; demonstrate respect for employees and clients 
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of all information pertaining to clients, including clients' families and employees.
• Respond and attend to client requests promptly.
• Communicate effectively with all team members.
• Maintain proper handwashing techniques.
• Participate in required in-service training programs to meet regulatory requirements.
• Understand the importance of seeking assistance, as needed, from your supervisor and/or others.
• Demonstrate capability and dependability in following instructions.
• Understand that regular, consistent attendance is necessary to serve clients.
• Accept and fulfill assignments with the Agency; exercise judgment in accepting assignments.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the management team.

REQUIRED JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Must be eighteen (18) years of age.
• Demonstrate sympathetic and positive attitude while caring for others.
• Previous experience in private duty home care preferred.
• Ability to regularly and predictably report to multiple locations on a daily basis.
• Ability to listen and communicate clearly, fluently, and diplomatically – both orally and in writing.
• Ability to remain flexible, resilient, calm and maintain a sense of humor in all situations.
• Present a well-groomed image that reflects the professional image of the business.
• Ability to generate goodwill for the Agency with clients, their family members and other referral sources. Demonstrate a strong commitment to client service excellence.
• Possess and maintain good physical and mental health, including current TB testing.
• Ability to lawfully work in the U.S.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Combination of sitting, standing, bending, reaching, stretching, stooping, walking, climbing stairs and moving during working hours.  
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.  
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately to fully meet the requirements of this position. 
• Must be able to maintain verbal and written communication with co-workers, leadership team, supervisors, clients, family members, vendors and all business associates within or outside the Agency.
• Successful completion and ongoing compliance with all licensing, certification, continuous education, background testing, drug and alcohol testing, OIG, and health assessments, as may be required under federal, state, or local law or per employer policy.
• All of the above demands are subject to ADA requirements.