Home Health Aide

Home Health Aide Job Summary: Primary function is to provide personal healthcare and related services as an extension of nursing or therapy services to the patient in place of residence; to assist in providing a safe and clean environment; work cooperatively with the patient, caregiver(s), and family; and share observations and problems with the supervisor. Works under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

Job Qualifications:

Education: High school graduate, preferred. Licensure: Must have a current driver’s license. Must be a certified home health aide pursuant to Section §1736.1 of the state Health and Safety Code. Experience: At least one (1) year of experience preferred as a home health aide or nursing assistant in a hospital, nursing home or home health agency. Must have successfully completed a state-approved training program for home care aides and maintained certification with the state department of public health. An individual is not considered to have completed a training and competency evaluation program, or a competency evaluation program, if since the individual’s most recent completion of this program(s), there has been a continuous period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months during none of which the individual furnished home health aide services described in 42 CFR §409.45 for compensation. Skills: Must be able to read, write, and verbally report clinical information to patients, representatives, caregivers, and other agency staff. Demonstrates interest in the welfare of the ill and elderly. Successful completion of the Aide Competency Evaluation Skills Checklist and written Skills Test. Transportation: Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance. Environmental and Working Conditions: Works in patients’ homes in various conditions; possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases; ability to work a flexible schedule; ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather. Physical and Mental Effort: Prolonged standing and walking required, with ability to lift up to 50 pounds and move patients. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines, to identify patient needs, to make quick decisions, and to meet patient and family psychosocial needs. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Ability to use durable medical equipment in the home.

Essential Functions:

• Provides direct patient services that are ordered by the physician, included in the plan of care, permitted to be performed under state law, and consistent with the home health aide training.
• Provides care under the direction and supervision of the RN or therapist and according to the Home Health Aide Care Plan.
• Provides hands-on personal care and supportive services as assigned and according to agency policies.
• Provides assistance to patients with ambulation, safe transfers, and exercises as assigned and per agency policy.
• Provides assistance with medications ordinarily self-administered. Assistance is limited to getting water or fluids for the patient to take medication.
• Appropriately reports changes in the patient’s condition to a registered nurse or other appropriate skilled professional and documents pertinent information and care rendered to patients to ensure continuity of care.
• Practices in accordance with accepted infection control principles. Provides a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. Performs household services which facilitate the patient’s self-care at home and are necessary to prevent or postpone institutionalization.
• Promotes positive, supportive, respectful communication with patients, caregivers, families, and other employees.
• Provides an environment which promotes respect for patients and their privacy and property.
• Provides necessary assistance to patients with proper nutrition, including therapeutic diets, and adequate fluid intake.
• Contributes to the management and efficient operation of the Agency and demonstrates effective time management skills.
• Demonstrates commitment, professional growth, and competency by attending 12 hours of in-services per year.
• Promotes the Agency philosophy and administrative policies to ensure quality of care