Job Description

Job Title: Direct Care Attendant
Department: HCS
Pay Group: Non-Exempt
Reports To: HCS Program Specialist

SUMMARY

The direct Care Attendant is responsible for providing care, supervision and training for Home and Community Based Service consumers in their place of residence. The Direct Care Attendant is responsible for providing quality and safe direct care attendant services in order that consumers can reach their greatest level of independence. The Direct Care Attendant possesses a mature approach and a sympathetic/empathetic attitude toward people with disabilities and the elderly. The Direct Care Attendant is able to read, write and carry out directions in a safe, effective and efficient manner. You will be evaluated on Professional Behaviors during each evaluation period. The Direct Care Attendant reports directly to the HCS Services Program Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. The supervisor may conduct periodic spot checks of the attendant working with the consumer.

1. Demonstrates respect for clients and their rights. Protects the consumers’ rights to privacy and personal property. Holds consumer’s personal information confidential.

2. Implements the Individual Service Plan specific to each consumer as directed by the case manager. Provides appropriate and safe techniques in assisting with activities of daily living and independent living tasks, such as, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, etc. Provides assistance in all needed areas

3. Demonstrates knowledge and use of all learned information during the training videos and during orientation.

4. Demonstrates safe transfer and ambulation techniques for each participant. P

5. Participates in a proactive manner in IDT meetings.

6. Administers medication and other health related tasks as delegated by the registered nurse and in accordance with state laws of delegation of tasks.

7. Performs household duties as assigned as it pertains to the consumers plan. Maintains a clean and healthy environment for the consumer.

8. Shops or completes errands for consumers as needed by the consumer, such as, doctor and therapy appointments, shopping, community inclusion activities, etc., and assists in securing or providing transportation in accordance with state laws.

9. Assists with meal planning, preparation and eating and ensures adequate intake of nutrition and fluid intake.

10. Immediately reports changes in consumer's body functioning to the registered nurse. Recognizes emergency situations and the appropriate action to take.

11. Performs other tasks as assigned in support of the HCS program including all recommendations from counseling and therapeutic services, such as, positioning, range of motion, etc.

12. Assists the consumers with developing and implementing community inclusion activities, as well as, facilitating social interaction and positive behavior.

13. After each shift, detailed progress notes are completed.

14. Once an assignment is accepted, a 48-hour notice is required to cancel your assignment or disciplinary action may follow (except in emergency situations).

15. I have received a copy of the HCS Principles for Evidentiary Certification. I agree to read them and follow the guidelines set forth within.

16. Attend a minimum of twelve hours of in-service training relative to Home and Community Based Services care per year.

17. Participates in scheduled department and All Staff meetings. Participates in outside agency training as directed by the Director of Community Living Services.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES - N/A

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED required. Must be certified as a Home Health Attendant or have one year experience in providing care to persons with disabilities and be able to pass a competency test based on skills demonstration as administered by a Registered Nurse. Applicant must not possess a criminal record.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instruction, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to complete progress notes on a daily basis. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization as needed.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current Drivers License and current auto liability insurance, dependable transportation and recent TB test required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must have good health in order to maintain an acceptable attendance record as established by the agency. Must be able to assist with lifting objects or consumers (a minimum of 50 pounds for a one person lift and 150 pounds for a two person lift) utilizing approved techniques. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.