Careers

Job Summary:

The Aide enables clients to stay in their homes by monitoring and recording client condition; providing support and personal services; teaching families.  Duties include but are not limited to.

Home Health Aide/PCA Job Duties:

• Monitors client condition by observing physical and mental condition, intake and output, and exercise.
• Supports clients by providing housekeeping and laundry services; shopping for food and other household requirements; preparing and serving meals and snacks; running errands.
• Assists clients by providing personal services, such as, bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Helps clients care for themselves by teaching use of cane or walker, special utensils to eat, special techniques and equipment for personal hygiene.
• Helps family members care for the client by teaching appropriate ways to lift, turn, and re-position the client; advising on nutrition, cleanliness, and housekeeping.
• Records client information by making entries in the client journal; notifying agency of changing or unusual conditions.
• Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy client environment by following asepsis standards and procedures; maintaining security precautions; following prescribed dietary requirements and nutrition standards;
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
• Protects the home care agency by adhering to professional standards, home care policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements.
• Enhances service reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Following Plan of Care
• Record and note clients’ condition and progress.
• Report changes to case manager.

Skills/Qualifications: Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Nursing Skills, Health Care Administration, Client Services, Verbal Communication, Listening, Training, Dependability, Emotional Control, & Teamwork.

A Home Health Aide/PCA shall:

• Bilingual a plus
• Be able to physically perform the services required
• Follow instructions given by the consumer or the consumer’s conservator
• Be able to report changes in the person’s condition or needs
• Maintain confidentiality
• Have the ability or skills necessary to meet the consumer’s needs as delineated in the service plan
• Demonstrate ability to implement cognitive and behavioral strategies
• Be able to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Have own reliable vehicle

Required Registration/Certification for CNA:

Successful completion of the Massachusetts Certified Nurse Aid Program.

Massachusetts CNA Certification must be current and in good standing with the MA Nursing Registry.

 COMPETENCIES:  All HOI positions are expected to demonstrate competency in the areas of 1) Confidentiality; 2) the Recovery Model; 3) Cultural Sensitivity; and 4) Age-appropriate Communications by utilizing the training and evaluation tools available online within the probationary period.

 QUALITIES NECESSARY:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should possess the following qualities:

• Problem Solving
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner
• Develops alternative solutions
• Works well in group problem solving
• Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
• Interpersonal
• Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming
• Keeps emotions under control
• Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things
• Oral Communication
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations
• Listens and gets clarification
• Responds well to questions
• Participates in meetings
• Team Work
• Balances team and individual responsibilities
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views
• Gives and welcomes feedback
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit
• Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed
• Ethics
• Treats people with respect
• Keeps commitments
• Inspires the trust of others
• Works with integrity and ethics
• Upholds organizational values
• Organizational Support
• Follows policies and procedures
• Completes administrative tasks correctly and on-time
• Supports organizational goals and values
• Adaptability
• Adapts to change in the work environment
• Manages competing demands
• Changes approach or method to best fit the situation
• Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Attendance / Punctuality
• Is consistently at work and on time
• Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent
• Arrives at meetings and appointments on time
• Dependable
• Follows instructions, responds to management direction
• Takes responsibility for own actions
• Keeps commitments
• Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan

OSHA CATEGORY:

This position may perform tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.