Community Care Aide - PRN

Joseph’s House is a residential respite care home in NW Washington, DC that serves primarily homeless adults of all gender identities with advanced HIV disease. For most of these residents, some combination of mental illness, stigma, isolation, substance abuse, poverty and/or domestic violence have prevented them from successfully managing their HIV disease.

Once medically stabilized, many Joseph’s House residents transition to post residential case management. These services can include medication management, housing, counseling, life skills training, advocacy, transportation and community activities.

Commitment to Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our organization is dedicated to eliminating racial inequities and we seek to create a diverse workforce that shares in this commitment to justice. 

Joseph’s House will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, national origin, religious beliefs, physical handicap, marital status, ancestry, past incarceration unrelated to job responsibilities, or liability for service in the armed forces of the United States. 

Contemplative Care

Joseph’s House was founded upon the values of justice for the poor and friendship with the outcast. Our mindfulness and awareness practices help us turn toward suffering, rather than hurry past it. Applicants must have a desire and readiness to deepen their spiritual and personal growth through their service and interactions with all members of the Joseph’s House community.

Job Responsibilities

Within this practice of relationship-centered care, the community care aide serves in the following ways:

• Administer medications, assess vital signs, monitor input/output, and complete all necessary documentation for services provided
• Assist with daily personal care tasks (ex. bathing, toileting) for those unable to perform these tasks independently, and administer bedside care as needed, including wound care and range-of-motion exercises 
• Ensure a clean and pleasant environment by performing housekeeping tasks (ex. laundry, dishes, tidying)
• Prepare meals, assist residents at mealtime, and address specific dietary needs as they arise.
• Transport (via organizational vehicle, rideshare, or public transit) and accompany residents to medical and social service appointments
• Encourage client engagement in the Joseph’s House community through their participation in group and recreational activities and other therapeutic offerings
• Provide support to and communicates effectively with other staff members in order to maintain a culture of safety and a commitment to high-quality care at all times
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; additional nursing assistant or home health aide training preferred.
• Up-to-date CPR certification
• At least two years’ experience working with or providing care to vulnerable, underserved populations, particularly to individuals experiencing homelessness or those with a history of mental illness and/or substance use
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural community and a desire to bring one’s whole self to the service of our community

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Ability to remain calm, de-escalate conflict, and manage stress

Physical demands

• Ability to stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, and crouch 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Cognitive demands

• Attention to detail and focus on quality 
• Highest levels of integrity 
• Ability to manage and resolve conflict in a productive way
• Calm, tactful, and respectful character
• Ability to work under stressful situations and with limited resources 
• Excellent teamwork capabilities

Other Requirements

• Ability to drive a vehicle 
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19