Job Summary:

Under supervision, the individual provides essential support in the areas of nutrition, personal hygiene, feeding, dressing, and environmental assistance.

Organizational Relationship:

Reports to the designated supervisor.

Risk of Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens:

Limited exposure.

Qualifications

The applicant must have successfully completed one of the following:

• Demonstrated competency through a competency exam developed by the Agency or an entity that meets regulatory requirements.
• A state-compliant training program developed by the Agency.
• A training program that meets Medicaid Waiver or other publicly funded home and community-based services standards.
• A program recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) through publication in the State Bulletin or on the DOH website.

Additional qualifications include:

- Maintaining good personal hygiene and a neat appearance.

- Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Prior to being scheduled for work, applicants must provide:

- Current CPR certification, a physical examination, and a 2-step TB test.

- A criminal background check.

Responsibilities:

Personal Care Services:

• Assist patients with:
• Bathing (tub, shower, or bed).
• Oral hygiene.
• Feeding, eating, dressing, walking, and toileting.
• Grooming and hair care.
• Routine nail care.
• Routine skin care, including applying lotion.
• Positioning and turning patients who require assistance in bed and chair.
• Reminders for self-administered medications.

Homemaking Services:

Assist patients with:

• Meal planning and preparation according to special or modified diets.
• Linen changes (occupied and unoccupied).
• Laundry (for the patient only).
• Light housekeeping, such as washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, dusting, and vacuuming in rooms used by the patient.
• Shopping for groceries and supplies.

Direct Care Worker Requirements:

• Adhere to universal precautions when providing patient services.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Perform only the tasks specified in the patient’s service plan.
• Respond to the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of patients.
• Follow emergency procedures in case of accidents, injuries, or significant changes in the patient’s condition.

Essential Administrative Functions:

• Be punctual and clock in and out at the beginning and end of each shift.
• Record all activities or tasks performed during the shift daily.
• Report any incidents or changes in patient status immediately.
• Attend annual in-service education as required by the agency.
• Demonstrate initiative, ask questions, and seek assistance when necessary; be receptive to supervision.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the patient, the patient’s family, and supervisors.
• Maintain professional appearance and adhere to the dress code policy.
• Be resourceful, productive, and efficient.
• Perform other duties as reasonably assigned.

Functional Abilities:

• Ability to carry bundles weighing up to 10 pounds upstairs.
• Ability to stoop and bend.
• Ability to travel to patients' residences.
• Ability to hear and communicate effectively in English.