Job Title/Position: Home Care Associate

Reports To: Geriatric Care Specialist

The home care associate is a paraprofessional member of the home care team who works under the supervision of a geriatric care specialist and assists older adults with daily living activities at the client�fs home or in a daytime non-residential facility as necessary to meet the client�fs needs. The home care associate is responsible for observing clients, reporting these observations and documenting observations and care performed.

The home care associate will be assigned in a manner that promotes quality, continuity and safety of a client�fs care.

Responsibilities of the home care associate include, but are not limited to, the following:

�� Providing personal care which may include assistance with bathing, dressing, personal

hygiene, toileting activities including incontinence care, medication reminders, skin care

to prevent breakdown, changing bed linen, monitoring oxygen, assistance with

ambulation and transfers, keeping client�fs living area clean and orderly, as appropriate.

�� Providing companion/homemaker services which may include meal planning and

cooking, light housekeeping, personal laundry, home organizing such as cleaning

closets, sorting photos, etc., shopping and errands, pet care, letter

writing/correspondence, encouraging independence such as walks, light exercises,

games, cards, maintaining scrap books, etc., escorting to doctor�fs appointments.

�� Informing supervisor about any client needs, unusual events, suspicion of abuse, or

condition/behavior changes.

�� Participating in the planning of client service needs by attending regularly scheduled

team meetings.

Job Title/Position: Home Care Associate

�� Recognizing and reporting fire/safety hazards in the client�fs home. Takes all appropriate

safety precautions to minimize risk of injury to client, self and others.

�� Interacting and communicating with client and client�fs family in a manner that shows

respect and promotes confidence in the co-worker�fs and the team�fs ability to meet their

expectations. Refers family to geriatric care specialist or executive director for

service/care concerns.

�� Participating in continuing education programs to promote self-development and

contributing to the development of the team by helping new co-workers learn job tasks

and responsibilities.

�� Documenting and maintaining all pertinent client-related information according to

company policies and regulatory requirements.

�� Performs other duties as assigned.

The home care associate will not function in any manner viewed as the practice of nursing according to the State of Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act. Specifically, the home care associate will not administer medications, take physician�fs orders or perform procedures requiring the training, knowledge and skill of a nurse.

�� Exhibits a positive customer service attitude which includes respect, empathy,

friendliness and willingness to assist others, consistent completion of job duties, well

groomed appearance.

�� Is punctual, dependable and displays personal initiative to complete work without

constant supervision, by reliable work attendance, ability to self-motivate and work

independently, and by taking responsibility to address work related problems with the

proper individuals.

�� Is honest and trustworthy.

�� Communication skills that include careful listening, sensitivity to the emotions attached

to the message, thoughtful responses, timely and accurate reporting to appropriate

people. Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing

and comprehend same.

�� Commitment to confidentiality that pertains to both client and co-worker information.

Relates personal information only to appropriate supervisory co-workers.

Job Title/Position: Home Care Associate

�� Demonstrates skill in judging the importance and urgency of events. Recognizes a client

-related problem that is within the HCA�fs scope to address and recognizes when

assistance is needed.

�� Approaches work with a flexible attitude. Can change course of activity with changing

client demands without experiencing undue stress or frustration.

�� Satisfactorily completes the company home care certification course.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

�� Standing, walking, twisting, bending, pushing, kneeling, stooping, stretching and

supporting a minimum of 70 pounds.

�� Occasional lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds.

�� Workplace includes client�fs home, automobile, home care office.

�� Experience: Entry level position. Prior home care experience preferred.

�� Education: High school diploma or GED

�� Certification/License: Current CPR and 1^st aid certification preferred.

�� Valid driver�fs license from the state of Pennsylvania.

�� Dependable transportation.

�� Must be capable of safely operating automobile.

�� Should not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of self and others. Must be able

to communicate effectively with clients and co-workers. Must present a neat, clean

appearance and demonstrate a positive, cheerful attitude.