Position Title: Home Care Aide
Accountable to: Supervisor
Classification: Home Care
Location: Whatcom/Skagit/Island Counties
Job Status: Non-designated FTE
Job Summary:
Performs non medically related personal care. Example: Assist clients with activities of daily living, such as help with eating, dressing, toileting and walking The Home Care Aide provides authorized personal care to clients in a professional manner and encourages clients to maintain independence. Only tasks authorized on the care plan will be performed.
Responsibilities:
- General housework: washing dishes, taking out trash, cleaning cupboards, defrosting the refrigerator, mopping, vacuuming, sweeping, scrubbing the bathroom, and cleaning the kitchen.
- Remind client to take self-administered medication. (do not administer).
- Assist client getting into and out of bed, into or out of a wheelchair, and in sitting or getting up while toileting.
- Assist client with all activities of daily living such as: eating, toileting, mobility, bathing, hygiene, grooming, dressing as indicated on Plan of Care, while supporting client’s level of independent functioning.
- Washing, drying and ironing clothes or linens.
- Plan and prepare meals, taking into consideration any special dietary needs.
- Simple “clean” dressing changes; i.e. Band-Aid
- Transport client to vital services (doctor, dentist, beauty/barber shop,bank) and provide essential errands and shopping for clients
- Observe and report changes in clients physical and mental condition and/or needs to Supervisor.
- Communicate to Supervisor any instances where services cannot or will not be provided to clients as scheduled.
- Assists clients in professional, caring and kind manner which respects their individual lifestyles, choices and beliefs.
- Maintain client and staff confidentiality.
- Listens actively and communicates professionally, while respecting professional boundaries.
- Acts as a positive member of VNPS team.
- Follows VNPS policies and procedures, maintains accurate records and shows sound judgment.
- Document on time sheets and Aide Notes.
- May be asked to chop and stack wood for clients who have no other source of heat.
- Perform other tasks assigned by the Supervisor.
Qualifications:
- A high school diploma or GED minimum
- Fundamentals of Caregiving Class within 120 days of employment
Physical Requirements:
- Intermittently sit/stand/walk while providing household services
- Use arms to vacuum, sweep, mop, scrub, fold clothes, washing windows and mirrors, etc.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds while using good body mechanics. Must be able to lift and carry grocery and garbage bags.
- Push and/or pull a shopping cart, wheelchair or vacuum cleaner. Tasting and smelling while preparing meals. Listening to and speaking with clients and others.
Agency Requirements:
- Tuberculin test upon employment and annually thereafter
- Current Washington State Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, reliable transportation and proof of automobile liability insurance.
- Works as a positive member of the caregiving team to achieve VNPS goals and objectives
- Communicates clearly and positively with clients, families, supervisor, and others
- Presents a neat and professional appearance
- Submits legible and timely documentation of client’s care, work time and any other required paperwork.
- Participates in required continuing education/inservice program to maintain and improve skills
- Understand and comply with the rules of the organization
- Practice effective infection control and universal precautions standards
- Possess a caring and kind manner toward all clients
- Flexible with availability
Working Conditions:
- The working environment will differ in location and structure because Home Care Aides are caring for people in their own homes.
For more information, contact our human resource department
Whatcom County, call 360-734-9662 or 1-800-551-1510
Skagit & Island Counties, call 360-336-9693 or 1-800-624-2714
or E-mail nurses@visitingnurseservices.org
Copyright 2002-2006 