Position Description

Under the direction and supervision of the CHHA Manager, the Program Aide will be engaged in a variety of roles responsible for providing care and assistance to participants. When in the home, is responsible for providing and assisting participants with skilled and non-skilled activities of daily living, restorative, and supportive care necessary to the preservation of the home environment. As an Escort, will be responsible for assisting participants during transport and appointment, as needed. Assisting with the implementation of activities for participants tailored to the needs and limitations of frail elderly. Provide one–on-one assistance with participants or preparing for upcoming activities. Assists in monitoring and reporting the health status and providing a safe environment for the participants of INSPIRA LIFE.

As a multisite provider of PACE community-based services for seniors in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties, an Inspira LIFE employee may work at either or both the Vineland or Williamstown LIFE Program as census changes or operational needs occur to meet the needs of our participants.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 1 year working with the frail or elderly required.

Certification/Licensure:

• -New Jersey required.
• CPR certification required upon hire or within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, standards and techniques of a certified home health aide and the provision of recreational activities
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of medical/transport/recreation equipment use and maintenance.
• Skilled in establishing and maintain effective working relationships with participants, co-workers, medical staff and the public.
• Physically able to perform strenuous tasks
• Skilled in identifying and recommending problem resolution.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, in English clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work effectively with culturally, economically, and educationally diverse population
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Position Responsibilities

General Duties:

• Demonstrates dependability through consistent compliance with scheduled work hours.
• Acts only within the scope of his or her authority to practice.
• Attends staff meetings and in-service training as required.
• Follows all IHN/LIFE Policies and Procedures and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of all company procedures, results and information about employees, participants, and families.
• Practices Universal precautions and follows appropriate Infection Control procedures.
• Maintains safe working environment.
• Participates in and supports the Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Participates in continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings.
• Maintains professional affiliations and any required certifications.
• Performs other duties as required or requested.
• Responsible for communicating patient care needs to other members of the IDT team as appropriate
• Works within the scope of his or her authority of practice.
• Maintains participants' medical record, completing appropriate documentation, charting, and reporting of services provided with legible, timely, and objective documentation in compliance with the policy and procedures of the department.
• Initiates suggestions for process improvement and/or cost saving measures that enhance care.

When Delivering Care in Home (NJ CHHA ONLY):

• Consults with the Home Care Registered Nurse to be updated on INSPIRA LIFE participant's status changes in care plan and to confirm scheduled visits.
• Under the direction and supervision of the Home Care Registered Nurse, assists participants in the home with the following duties: Personal hygiene such as skin, mouth, hair care and bathing.
• Assists participants in and out of bed assisting with ambulation.
• Assists with prescribed exercise which participants and aide have been taught by appropriate personnel.
• Assists participants with meals, including therapeutic diets.
• Assists participants to the bathroom or in using commodes, bedpans, or urinals.
• When directed, give reminders for participants with medications which are ordinarily self-administered.
• Assists with tasks as performed t by a health professional for a specific participant such as: taking vitals, changing colostomy bags, changing of non-sterile dressing and non-sterile bowel and bladder hygiene care.
• Performs directed household services.
• Reports changes in participant's condition and needs to the Home Care Registered Nurse.

When Delivering Care in Center:

• Assists participants and/or supervises with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, hair care, mouth care, eating, hand and foot nail care, and toileting) as assigned or needed under the direct supervision of the Center Care Supervisor.
• Creates and participates in group(s) and one-on-one activities in accordance with daily activity calendar and as requested by the Recreational Therapist.
• Monitors and assists participants with meals and feeding as needed
• Assists, throughout the day, in maintaining clean and orderly day rooms, kitchen and personal care areas.
• Accompanies enrollee to medical and other appointments.
• Performs and or assists with laundry, including clothes for participants.
• Assists the drivers with the loading and unloading of participants from vehicles.
• Notes changes in participant's physical or emotional health and communicates this information to the CHHA Manager or Clinic Nurse.
• Assists the transportation department with participants' take-home supplies.
• Assists with cleaning up after activities.

When Assisting with Recreational Activities:

• Leads and/or assists in large groups, small groups 1:1's and individual activities (exercise, arts and crafts, games, current events, sensory, etc.) under the direct supervision of the Recreation Therapist/Activity Supervisor
• Assists with cleaning up after activities.

To learn more about Inspira’s LIFE Center’s, Click Here>

Inspira LIFE Program | Senior Health | Inspira Health (inspirahealthnetwork.org)

At Inspira Health, you’ll join with the area’s most dedicated and distinguished team to bring quality and compassionate care to our communities. We focus on clinical excellence, providing evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. The scope and depth of our network can open many doors for your learning and career growth.

Our charitable nonprofit health care organization serves communities across southern New Jersey. The network, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, sleep medicine, cardiac testing, digestive health and wound care, urgent care, imaging and rehabilitation, and primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Camden counties.

Inspira is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, familial status, disability, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, nationality, sex, gender identity or expression.