Certified Home Health Aide

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) / Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is responsible for providing personal care and simple rehabilitative/restorative services to clients according to written instructions prepared by the Home health RN, Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist and carried out under the supervision of the appropriate health professional. The Home Health Aide provides care and service to person of all age groups in the home or alternate site. The role may include other responsibilities and duties as assigned based upon the agency’s home care needs and requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs client care tasks as directed by the Home Health RN or Therapist which may include: Taking vital signs, I & O, weights and reporting abnormalities to the Home Health RN/Therapist or Patient Care Manager; provides personal care and bathing as ordered; dresses and undresses clients; provides simple rehabilitative/restorative care; provides bowel/bladder care; assists client with activities of daily living, including basic range of motion in order to increase physical mobility. Assists with feeding, eating, basic meal planning, preparation and purchasing of food.
2. Facilitates the client’s self-care at home and encourages client/family participation;’ provides assistance with client’s self-administration of medications; provides care according to age specific needs; and maintains a clean and safe environment. Always maintains client and organizational confidentiality.
3. Meets Marion County Home Care productivity guidelines. Documents home health aide care or service provided, thoroughly, timely, and accurately in accordance with the Home Care policy. Care provided must comply with State, Federal, JCAHO (as applicable), insurance and payer requirements as well as local agency policy. Follows the care plan as developed by the Home Health RN or Therapist and communicates to the Home Health RN/Therapist changes in the status of the client. Assists the home care agency in appropriate utilization of resources.
4. Completes all required in-service education programs. Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, and customer service programs as required. Participates in Quality Management (Quality Improvement) programs as requested by supervisor. Delivers a high level of service to all internal and external customers.
5. Demonstrates Marion County Home Care leadership competencies: customer centered, results oriented and people focused.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to speak, read and write in English; see, hear, use fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and tactile abilities; follow multiple verbal and written instructions. Should possess problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze simple data. Must be able to make rational decisions based on factual information.

The work requires the ability to do heavy lifting exerting up to 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25-50 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Walking, standing, sitting, reaching, stooping, squatting, and kneeling are physical requirements that will be frequent to constant throughout a workday. A multidisciplinary approach which includes an individualized care plan which is the driving force for addressing the clients’ physical, social, and psychosocial needs.

The work has an inherent potential for contact with blood, body fluids or tissues. Appropriate protective measures are required for every employee engaged in these tasks.

DECISION MAKING LATITUDE

This position has the latitude to make decision based on sound clinical judgement in accordance with their scope of practice, as appropriate for the position, and in accordance with actions defined in the Marion County Home Care Policy Manual. The incumbent confers with the assigned home care director or supervisor for any unusual situation or problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Certified and/or successful completion of competency evaluation as defined by State specific and Federal Regulations. Certified Nurse Aide (C.N.A.) and Certified Home Health Aide (C.H.H.A.) certificates required. Attends twelve (12) hours of in-service specific to their work duties annually, must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Technical Skills: Basic understanding of medical terminology ability to provide physical assistance to clients in ambulating, transferring in and out of bed and wheelchair. Understands and has a working knowledge of the Windows environment. Demonstrates ability to access and use information in meaningful way through use of e-mail and Word.

Other Qualifications/Certificate/License: Current CPR certification. Access to reliable transportation to ensure ability to provide service to all clients and areas serviced by the agency. Valid State Driver’s License. Proof of automobile insurance that meets at least the minimum state mandated insurance requirements.

Behavioral Competencies: Demonstrates an ability to function successfully in a team environment. Exhibits courteous, compassionate, and respectful treatment of internal and external customers. Displays a positive attitude and flexibility in changing situations. Demonstrates an ability to problem solve and suggest solutions.