JOB DESCRIPTION FOR DIRECT CARE WORKER/HOMECARE/COMPANION

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Follows the plan of care to help the consumer maintain good personal hygiene and a healthful, safe environment. Perform ONLY those functions specified for each individual consumer.
  • Receives written instructions from the supervisor.
  • Knowledge of Agency policies and procedures.
  • Report Critical Incidents immediately after they occur.
  • Willing to get oriented and trained in all aspects of care to be provided to consumers.
  • Ability to demonstrate competency in all areas of training for a direct care worker.

Direct Care Workers may assist consumers with the following activities:

  1. Self-administration of medications for consumers who are competent to direct their care.
  2. Housekeeping.
  3. Personal care, including grooming and dressing.
  4. Eating and meal preparation.
  5. Oral hygiene and denture care.
  6. Toileting and toilet hygiene.
  7. IADL / ADL assistance.
  8. Administering emergency first aid.
  9. Providing or arranging for social interaction.
  10. Providing transportation.
    • Document observations and services in the individual consumer record.
    • Report any change in the consumer’s mental or physical condition or in the home situation to the immediate supervisor or the Agency Manager.

JOB CONDITIONS

  • The ability to drive and access consumers’ homes, which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible, is required.
  • Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the consumer’s condition and to perform consumer care/services.
  • On occasion, it may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move consumer weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing in English.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

  • Use of BP cuff, thermometer, stethoscope, and hand-washing materials.
  • Use of a cell phone to clock in and out for the HHA Exchange apps.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to read and write; preferably a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Should be able to complete the following:
    1. Completion of State Mandatory Direct Care Certification training from the PA Department of Health:
      Direct Care Staff Training and Competency
    2. Demonstrated competency by passing a competency exam developed by the home care agency, which meets PA state regulation; or
    3. Completed one of the following:
      1. A training program developed by a home care agency, home care registry, or other entity that meets the requirements of PA regulation for training.
      2. A home health aide training program meeting the requirements of 42 CFR 484.36 (relating to the conditions of participation; home health aide services).
      3. A training program meeting the training standards imposed on the agency or registry by virtue of the agency’s or registry’s participation as a provider in a Medicaid Waiver or other publicly funded program providing home and community-based services to qualifying consumers.
      4. Another program identified by the Department by subsequent publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin or on the Department’s website.
        • Must be free from health problems that may be injurious to consumers, self, and co-workers, and must present appropriate evidence to substantiate per agency policy.
        • Must comprehend the basics of personal care, housekeeping, and meal preparation, and successfully complete the competencies.
        • Must understand and respect consumers’ rights, including ethics and confidentiality of care.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have a Fingerprint result, Child Clearance result, Police Clearance result, and Two-step TB result before starting the job.
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