Direct Care Worker

Position Description:

A Personal Care Worker/Direct Care Worker is a non-licensed member of the home health care team who assists the consumer with the tasks of daily living as outlined in a written care plan that is established by a Registered Nurse Supervisor and kept in the consumer’s home. The Direct Care Worker is supervised by the RN Supervisor, Home Care Field Supervisor and/or Staff Coordinator at this agency and receives scheduling direction from the agency Staff Coordinator.

Duties:

The duties of a DCW may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Planning and preparing meals according to specific dietary requirements of the consumer.
2. Maintaining a safe, clean and healthy environment through light housekeeping. This includes changing bed linens, dusting and vacuuming, cleaning kitchen and bathroom, and laundry.
3. Providing companionship and stimulation for the consumer including reading, walks, etc; and accompanying the consumer to MD appointments or other appointments.
4. Grocery shopping or other errands when needed.
5. Perform any personal care for the consumer including toileting, hair care, oral hygiene, bathing and grooming.
6. Assist with ambulation when consumer uses mechanical aids such as a walker.
7. Performing other housekeeping tasks as indicated in the care plan.
8. Mandatory in-service education programs. 20 hours of in-service is required yearly.
9. Mandatory six-topic annual training.

Employee May Not:

1. Cut the fingernails or toenails of any consumer.
2. Perform any type of heavy housework such as cleaning stoves with oven cleaners, moving heavy furniture or appliances, shoveling heavy snow, climb ladders, etc.

Qualifications:

1. A PCW/DCW must complete the agency’s employment process.
2. Must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Must be physically able to perform the duties of the position.
4. Must exhibit mature, responsible behavior, and understand the need for consumer confidentiality.
5. Must be able to read, write, understand and speak English.
6. Must be able to follow directions and accurately report to the RN Supervisor any change in consumer’s condition.
7. Must have reliable transportation to and from assignments.