Home Care Associate-Per Diem

I. BASIC PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Home Care Associate assists seniors, disabled adults or others needing care with activities of daily living at the client's home or in a senior housing community or other facility. Duties and care may include transportation, house cleaning, laundry, washing dishes, personal hygiene, providing meals, medication reminders and other health and wellness related activities, all under the direction of the client’s current care plan. Confidentiality is imperative for our client files and information.  The Home Care Associate (HCA) will ensure that all home care is provided in a caring and respectful way in keeping with all relevant policies and procedures and home care standards.  

II. CUSTOMERS/CLIENTS SERVED BY POSITION:

Current and potential clients of Seacrest At Home, family members, JCHS, GMG, Seacrest Village principals, staff, Seacrest at Home Board of Directors, outside vendors, regulatory agencies, physicians, referral sources and the community at large.

III. OUTCOME WHEN JOB IS DONE WELL:

The clients, residents, their families, and potential clients will receive compassionate and professional care in the comfort of their home or community. The operation will flourish as proven by continued referrals and growth of the business. Client satisfaction surveys show an 80% approval rating.

IV. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

High school graduate or GED, some healthcare classes/coursework preferred. High school diploma requirement may be waived if applicant has a minimum of 12 months of non-medical care giving experience.

V. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum 6 months experience working with seniors or other individuals while performing home care tasks such as assistance with activities of daily living, environmental support (i.e. laundry and housekeeping).

VI. SKILLS, LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND/OR SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

Able to read, write and understand the English language; ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Excellent customer and personal service skills. Valid California Driver’s License, proof of clear driving record, proof of car insurance when assignments require driving. Fingerprint clearance; DOJ and FBI are required prior to providing direct service to any client; must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties; possess cultural awareness and sensitivity of diverse customs and have specific knowledge of the Jewish tradition, culture and holidays; demonstrate sound work ethics; flexible, adaptable and able to work effectively in a variety of settings; work independently with minimal supervision. Must pass pre-employment physical/TB test, able to obtain fingerprint clearance as required and pass a substance abuse screen. Must also be willing to register as a caregiver with the State of California’s Home Care Registry (state required). Initial training as mandated by the Home Care Services Bureau to include 5 hours of initial training prior to being assigned to care for SAH clients and all associates must attend 5 hours of additional training opportunities throughout each year of their employment with SAH.

VII. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES THAT MUST BE SAFELY PERFORMED WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHOUT POSING A DIRECT THREAT TO OTHER EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS OR SELF:

1. Provides personal assistance/non-medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care.
2. Performs general housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, and able to run errands based on SAH transportation policy.
3. Administers bedside and personal care, ambulation assistance and personal hygiene assistance.
4. Instructs and advises clients on issues such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene and nutrition
5. Assists with exercises, physiotherapy and other rehabilitative plans.
6. Organizes time and resources based on the individual needs of clients.
7. Manages any unanticipated events or unstable situations and notifies supervisor of such events.
8.  Transports clients to locations outside the home, such as to physicians' offices or on outings, using a client’s motor vehicle per SAH policy, or becomes an approved driver through SAH’s approved driver process.
9. Plans, shops for and prepares meals, including special diets, and assists families in planning, shopping for and preparing nutritious meals.
10. Communicates with supervisors, co-workers, by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
11. Prepares/maintains records of client progress/services performed, reporting changes in condition to Supervisor.
12. Cares for individuals and families during periods of incapacitation, family disruption or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care and help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
13. Participates in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the client, to evaluate the client's needs and plan for continuing services.
14. Prepares and maintains records of assistance rendered.
15. Documents care provided, including clocking in-out times, using telephony at each visit.
16. Performs related duties as assigned.

FACTORS AFFECTING WORK PERFORMANCE – attendance, reliability, interpersonal, adaptability, judgment, mission, adherence to policy and regulatory requirements.

1. Regular, punctual attendance. Flexibility to include some weekends, evenings, holidays and special events.
2. All other tasks and special projects as delegated by the Supervisor, Director or SAH Board members.
3. Inform Director of Homecare/Home Care Coordinators of significant client changes and needs.
4. Participate in management, staff and other meetings to support facility operations.
5. Represent SAH in a professional and positive manner within and outside the Seacrest Village community.
6. Mission - Familiarize self with home care mission, policies and procedures and same with the Jewish tradition as observed by our clients, residents, family and guests.
7. Interpersonal - Create and maintain a positive work environment based on individual respect, responsibility, personal and professional growth.
8. As a matter of policy follows confidentiality and privacy policy, applies “minimum necessary”, “needs to know” guidelines on all client information and reports non-compliance violations to Director of Home Care.
9. As a mandated reporter will report all abuse incidents; physical, emotional, financial, sexual, verbal, to APS (Adult Protective Services) and authorities as needed.
10. Follow the corporate compliance standard and employee code of conduct, of performing work with an ethical behavior and utilizing proper business conduct and professional practice that complies with applicable laws, rules and regulations; as serving the clients and preserving the organizational reputation. Maintaining client/employee trust, and reporting non-compliance to the corporate compliance officer, as well as to the Home Care Director.
11. As a matter of Home Care Cell Phone Policy; unless your position includes driving as an essential function under no circumstances should you PLACE or ANSWER calls using a cell phone while driving on Company business, personal and/or company time UNLESS they have a hands-free device and one that recognizes voice prompts.  (Violating this policy is a violation of law beginning July 1, 2008 and a violation of Company rules.)

VIII.     EQUIPMENT REQUIRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Cell phone or home phone, hands free device (preferred) and personal vehicle (preferred).
 

IX.           NON-ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (not essential to the actual job but may occur):      

Not applicable.
 

X.            PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Safely lift and move clients using proper body mechanics and may be required to bathe and/or clean clients. Practice clean, safe care to eliminate the possibility of infection or cross contamination between clients, family members and/or themselves; may deal with clients with potentially infectious conditions; must be extremely careful to ensure that all activities are completed safely so as to ensure the safety of all clients, families, and themselves; will be exposed to sights and sounds associated with clients who are ill and injured; will be exposed to sights and sounds associated with clients who are ill or injured; may be exposed to unpleasant odors in providing home care; may be faced with stress from dealing with clients and family members who may be stressed and difficult to work with. Stress can be caused by the fact that the HCA must work independently in unfamiliar and uncontrolled situations however the supervisor or director is available to be onsite when requested or required. There is significant emotional stress in providing care for clients who are dying and providing support to their families. Stress is also caused by the need to manage and evaluate client issues. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk on their feet for several hours at a time; ride in a car or motor vehicle. Hands, fingers, and arms are frequently used for holding, stretching, and reaching. The employee will be expected to climb stairs, balance, reach above head, kneel, stoop, bend and crouch.  The employee must be able to lift or move unassisted up to 25lbs.  Excellent vision and hearing are required due to the safety of our residents.  Follows and practices good body mechanics while performing job duties.