Home Care Assistant

Essential Functions:

• Provides companionship and home support service to promote resident/client independence, including but not limited to light housekeeping, laundry, linen changes, meal preparation, errands, grocery shopping, medication, and appointment reminders.
• Assists resident/client with activities of daily living including but not limited to support with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, oral hygiene, skincare, and/or ambulation and transfers.
• Provides transportation as listed in the service plan and/or at the direction of the resident/client if services are allowed by state regulation and The Highlands policies and procedures.
• Observes and report to immediate supervisor any observed changes in the resident/client's physical condition, mental/emotional state, or home situation in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates an understanding of time management principles by seeking to remain engaged and involved throughout the shift and providing "value-added" support when service plan tasks are completed.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently using good judgment.
• Reads resident/client's previous shift notes and general service notes upon arrival and documents specific services provided when shift is completed.
• Provides updates to supervisor at least weekly and provide resident/client information as requested by supervisor.
• Co-ordinates specific work tasks with other personnel within the Home Care department as well as with other programs and departments in order to ensure the seamless quality provision of service and support to residents/clients.
• Obtains clear signatures on paperwork as required.
• Relates in a courteous manner to residents/clients, families, visitors, and fellow staff members and promotes respectful relationships in all interactions with others.
• Protects the privacy, confidentiality, and dignity of all residents/clients and co-workers.
• Follow all policies and procedures and suggests methods for improvements.
• Follows safe practices to ensure the health and well-being of residents/clients, families, and employees including self, including universal and standard precautions.
• Maintains awareness of individual responsibilities regarding fire, health, and safety plans.
• Carries out work tasks in a manner that maintains health and wellness and reduces injuries and uses equipment and supplies safely and properly.
• Completes skills assessment prior to providing care and annually thereafter.
• Communicates business-related issues in a positive manner that respects residents/clients, families, and employees while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Uses telephone system to log in and out of all direct care shifts and to provide documentation for services provided; Uses company-wide HRMS for all work time.
• Completes honestly and accurately all forms as required including but not limited to mileage, travel time, tasks completed, and telephonic timekeeping.
• Attends and or completes all mandatory orientation, in-service training, and education programs including competency assessments and Tb education at hire and annually thereafter, and demonstrates an interest in improving the quality of services provided.
• Accepts supervision with a positive attitude and follows the chain of command.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a per diem position. Standards days and hours of work are Monday through Friday and every other weekend, with a flexible schedule of up to 58 hours per biweekly pay period around 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift hours, or a combination of shift/hours as required by the service plan. The position requires the ability to work during nonstandard hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and inclement weather, and to be available when the need arises.

Travel:

• Limited travel may be expected for this position, including some local travel, as required by a resident/ client service plan.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1-3 Years’ Personal Care experience preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with residents/clients, supervisors, and co-workers using understandable language skills in reading, writing, and speaking in person and on the phone.
• Patience, sensitivity, kindness, and aptitude for working with elderly and/or cognitively impaired individuals.
• Demonstrates flexibility in adjusting to residents'/clients’ specific needs and situations.

Certification and License Requirements:

• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record Check
       o Required for 1st and 2nd shift case assignments
       o Preferred for 3rd shift case assignments