DIRECT CARE WORKER

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: SUPERVISOR/AGENCY MANAGER

RISK OF EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS – HIGH

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Follows the plan of care to help the consumer to maintain good personal hygiene and maintain a healthful, safe environment, is to perform ONLY those functions specified for each individual consumer.

Receives written instructions from the supervisor.

Knowledge of Agency policies and procedures.

Is oriented and trained in all aspects of care to be provided to consumers.

Ability to demonstrate competency in all areas of training for a direct care worker.

Direct Care Workers may assist consumers with the following activities:

a.  Self-administration of medications for consumers who are competent to direct the care

b.  Housekeeping

c.  Personal care including grooming and dressing

d.  Eating and meal preparation

e.  Oral hygiene and denture care

f.  Toileting and toilet hygiene

g.  IADL assistance

h.  Administering emergency first aid

i.   Providing or arranging for social interaction

j.   Providing transportation

Documents observations and services in the individual consumer record.

Reports any change in the consumer's mental or physical condition or in the home situation to his/her immediate supervisor or Agency Manager.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access consumers’ homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the consumer's condition and to perform consumer care/services.

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move consumer weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing in English.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Use of BP cuff, thermometer, and stethoscope Hand washing materials.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to all consumer medical records which may be discussed with the Supervisor. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of at least the ninth grade.  Preferably a high school diploma or equivalent.

Completed one of the following: 

1.Obtained a valid nurses license in PA; or

2. Demonstrated competency by passing a competency exam developed by the home care agency which meets PA state regulation; or

3. Completed one of the following:

a. A training program developed by a home care agency, home care registry, or other entity which meets the requirements of PA regulation for training. 

b. A home health aide training program meeting the requirements of 42 CFR 484.36 (relating to the conditions of participation; home health aide services). 

c. The nurse aide certification and training program sponsored by the PA Department of Education and located at www.pde.state.pa.us. 

d. A training program meeting the training standards imposed on the agency or registry by virtue of the agency's or registry's participation as a provider in a Medicaid Waiver or other publicly funded program providing home and community-based services to qualifying consumers. 

e. Another program identified by the Department by subsequent publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin or on the Department's web site.

• Must be free from health problems that may be injurious to consumer, self and co-workers and must present appropriate evidence to substantiate per agency policy.
• Must comprehends the basics of personal care, housekeeping and meal preparation and successfully complete the competencies.
• Must understand and respect consumer’s including ethics and confidentiality of care.
• Must have a criminal check and other checks as required by PA regulation.
• Must have current CPR certification and First Aide.