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.
Whatcom County, call 360-734-9662 or 1-800-551-1510
Skagit & Island Counties, call 360-416-0343 or 1-800-624-2714
or E-mail nurses@vnhomecare.org
Copyright 2002-2006 