Medical Companion Assistant

Job Overview:

Join us now! Heroes Hire is seeking a Medical Companion Assistant to deliver essential home health aide, clinical observation and transportation support services for our veterans in the PA area. As a Medical Companion Assistant you shall provide same day caregiver services to include, a personal caregiver to accompany and, as necessary, escort the patient to the procedure, stay with the patient throughout the procedure, obtain any post-operative instructions from VA staff, ensure the patient collects any required medications as ordered by the prescribing provider, escort the patient home, provide basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assistance as needed, and stay with the patient throughout the previously agreed upon contracted duration of post-operative supervision. Apply Now!

Requirements:

Services Within the Home:

Meeting with Patients:

• Contractor will meet with identified patients at their residence within the expected timeline for the procedure as specified in the original consult referral.

Transportation Services:

• MCA shall provide transportation from the patient's home to the designated medical center, as agreed upon with authorized VA staff. Refer to 3.2.3 for driving VA patients' requirements.

On-Site Procedure Support:

• MCA will stay on the medical center grounds throughout the procedure, providing medical sign-out and transportation back to the patient's home for post-procedure clinical observation, as ordered.

Completion of Ordered Services:

• MCA will complete the total number of hours of services as ordered. In case of early termination, the Contractor will follow the specified procedures and make a good faith effort to encourage the patient to follow the plan of care.

Additional Support:

• MCA will provide support as needed, including Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and peri-procedural clinical observation.

Medication Assistance:

• MCA will aid the patient in picking up medications as needed from the VA pharmacy.

Documentation and Compliance:

• MCA will include necessary documents such as the Early Termination Letter and a signed summary of services with invoicing.
• MCA and the patient will sign and date the agency-specific Summary of Services Form, to be submitted to the Medical Companion Program Coordinator within seven (7) days of services rendered.
• MCA will abide by all agency rules, behavior, and performance standards.
• MCA will provide services to the patient alone, without involving animals, children, or other family/friends during the ordered care hours.

Patient Observation and Communication:

• The MCA shall observe the patient, and any notable changes in the patient’s condition shall be communicated immediately to the Medical Companion Program Coordinator and/or the 24-hour VA Call Center.

Services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System:

Discharge Support:

• MCA will be present at the time of discharge and receive a medical hand-off from the healthcare provider.

Completion of Ordered Services and Additional Support:

• MCA will complete the total number of hours of services as ordered.
• MCA will provide support as needed, including ADL care while providing post-procedure clinical observation.

Medication Assistance and Documentation:

• MCA will aid the patient in picking up medications as needed from the VA pharmacy.
• MCA will provide an Early Termination Letter with an agency-specific Summary of Services Form (or likewise) to the Medical Companion Program Coordinator or designee.

Requirements for Driving VA Patients:

Non-emergent Medical Transportation:

• MCA shall provide non-emergent medical transportation for ambulatory patients.

Trip Details and Operational Compliance:

• Trips may originate and terminate at specified locations.
• No trip requests will be made directly by patients; all requests will originate from authorized VA staff.

Inclement Weather and Patient Safety:

• The VA Medical Centers do not close during inclement weather. The MCA is responsible for making necessary arrangements for transports.
• Patients refusing to be properly secured will not be transported, and incidents will be promptly reported to the Medical Companion Program Coordinator.

Loading/Unloading Techniques and Contingency Plans:

• MCA drivers shall ensure proper loading/unloading techniques of the patient.
• MCA shall have a contingency/backup plan in case of non-performance and shall promptly notify the Medical Companion Program Coordinator.

Incident Reporting and Communication:

• In case of problems during patient transport, the MCA shall contact the Medical Companion Program Coordinator promptly.
• MCA shall not text message while driving.

Vehicles:

Inspection and Maintenance:

• The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to inspect Contractor's vehicles or require documentation of compliance with agreement specifications, State laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines governing passenger vehicles.

Use Restrictions and Vehicle Conditions:

• The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to restrict the MCA use of equipment and vehicles not in compliance with agreement requirements.
• All vehicles shall be equipped with properly functioning heating/air conditioning and maintained in a clean, smoke-free, and orderly condition with proper ventilation for the patient.

Qualifications:

• HIPAA Compliance: MCA will abide by all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws.
• Agency Rules and Regulations: MCA will abide by all agency rules and regulations regarding privacy, behavior, and conduct.
• Emergency Response: MCA will call 911 in the event of a medical emergency.
• Language Proficiency: MCA shall be proficient in speech, writing, and reading of the English language.
• Travel Comfort: MCA will be comfortable traveling to and from the patient’s home and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System as required.
• Working with Vulnerable Populations: MCA is expected to be comfortable working with vulnerable populations.
• Respectful Patient Treatment: MCA will treat patients with respect and dignity while providing care.
• Proper Identification: MCA shall be able to provide proper identification of agency badges with names to patients upon request.
• Substance Use Policy: MCA shall not use intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or controlled substances while on duty.
• No Smoking Policy: MCA will not smoke while on duty.
• Tip Policy: MCA will not solicit or accept tips from patients.
• Professional Conduct and Personal Hygiene: MCA shall conduct themselves professionally and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Heroes Hire is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in all of its employment practices and decisions. Heroes Hire prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age (40 and over), disability, citizenship, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.