Home Health Aide 1

JOB SUMMARY

The Home Health Aide is a paraprofessional member of the Elders In-Home Services support team who works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse/LPN and Manager. This position performs various personal care services as necessary to meet the client’s needs. The home health aide is responsible for observing clients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed. This position will be supported through continuous training and assigned in a manner which promotes quality, continuity and safety of a client’s care.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides personal care which may include:

• Baths
• Oral hygiene
• Grooming
• Changing bed linens
• Assisting with dressing and undressing
• Assisting with toileting activities
• Skin care to prevent breakdown
• Keeping client’s living area clean and orderly, as appropriate

Planning and preparing nutritious meals, following dietary requirements as instructed from care plan; assists in feeding the client, if necessary.

Takes and records clients pulse, temperature, and respiration when required (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).

Assists in ambulation and exercise according to care plan. 

Performs range of motion or other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service when required (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).

Gives clients medication under nurses' or doctors' orders; assists clients in the self-administration of medication.

Accompanies clients to doctors’ office and the hospital to provide assistance 

Performs light house cleaning and does laundry, as appropriate.

Assists with applicable errands, such as shopping for food or household supplies.

Meets safety needs of client’s and uses equipment safely and properly (i.e., foot stools, side rails, etc.).

Reports on client’s condition and any significant changes to the assigned nurse.

Provides instruction to clients, emotional support, and companionship.

Adheres to the programs documentation and care procedures; maintains confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Attends all required training, meetings, and/or conferences. Maintains paraprofessional development, through continued education and on-the-job training; maintains required certifications.

Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION

REQUIRED:  Culturally relevant experience in care giving role.  Experience working with Elders, within a Tribal community preferrred.  Must maintain a current and valid Washington State Driver's License and provide own transportation with valid insurance coverage.  Must have flexibility to work varying hours/shifts. 

Preferred:  Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Special Requirements:  Must pass a criminal background check, a drug screen and meet all health and immunization requirements.

Must be able to obtain required certifications within timelines indicated upon hire:

• Food Handler’s permit within 30 days of hire.
• First Aid, CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens, and Oxygen certifications within 3 months of hire.
• Home Health Aide certification through MEIHSS within 6 months of hire.
• Successfully passing home care aid exam within a year of hire (license verification upon completion of exam).

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION

Skill in:

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Service Orientation – Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge of:

• Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Ability to:

• Oral expression – Communicates information and ideas in speaking so other with understand.
• Oral comprehension – Listens to and understands information and ideas presented through spoken works and sentences.
• Problem Sensitivity – Identifies when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; recognizes the problem.
• Inductive Reasoning – Combines pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Integrity – Be honest and ethical
• Dependability – Be reliable, responsible, dependable, and fulfill obligations.
• Self Control – Maintain composure, keep emotions in check, control anger, and avoid aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
• Concern for others – Be sensitive to others needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
• Attention to Detail – Be careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be physically active for long periods of time. Employee will frequently be required to walk and stand for long periods of time; bend or twist body; perform repetitive movements; and use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. Employee may have exposure to diseases, infections, and contaminants, which may require special protective gear.

Licenses or Certifications Required

Current and valid Washington State driver’s license.

Compensation: 51800 to 72515 (USD)