A. BASIC PURPOSE

Provides personal care and related assigned services to home health patients in their place of residence, nursing homes and inpatient units in accordance with an established care plan and under the supervision of a registered nurse or therapist. Observes the patient, reports observations and documents observations and care performed. Provides timely documentation of services based on patient’s care plan.

B. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs or assists patient with personal care activities as prescribed in the plan of care, including but not limited to hygiene, mobility and elimination. If unable to perform a certain task, reports to the RN or Director of Nursing/Clinical Manager immediately.
2. Provides and maintains safe environment for patient. Uses equipment safely and properly (footstools, side rails, Oxygen, etc.).
3. Practices universal precautions in all contacts with patients.
4. Performs or assists patient/family with home maintenance activities as prescribed in the care plan, including but not limited to, light housekeeping and meal preparation.
5. Monitors adequate fluid and nutrition intake, temperature, pulse, respiration, skin and basic elements of body functioning and changes in body functioning and records/reports appropriately.
6. Practices safe transfer, ambulation, normal range of motion and positioning techniques.
7. Identifies need for intervention by other members of the home health team on an ongoing basis and reports to the RN or Director of Nursing/Clinical Manager.
8. Respects the autonomy and right to confidentiality of all patients and families.
9. Documents care provided and response of patient/family. Submits documentation in a timely manner.
10. Performs within the limits of preparation and experience.
11. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws, Medicare regulations and established agency policies and procedures.
12. Manages a caseload and delivers care in a cost-effective manner.
13. Consistently meets or exceeds the agency’s established service standards.
14. Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner.
15. Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently.
16. Completes a minimum of 12 hours of inservices per year.
17. Maintains regular attendance.
18. Adheres to the agency’s Code of Conduct.
19. Interacts with all staff in a positive fashion supporting the agency’s mission and vision.
20. Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner.
21. Complies with Ideal HomeHealth Care’s general orientation and with agency policies and procedures including confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines.
The primary responsibility statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

C. HUMAN RELATIONS

1. Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisor, co-workers and all others.
2. Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other home health care team members and reflect concern for the well-being of patients and others.

D. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (See Attached Physical Requirements Form)

This position requires the Home Health Aide to work in a variety of environments (housing styles, cleaning and maintenance, heating and cooling) during visits to patients in their place of residence.
2. Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
3. The Home Health Aide must have ability sufficient to ambulate throughout a patient's home, navigating stairs and other physical barriers typical to private residences.
4. The Home Health Aide must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel to and visit in patient’s homes in varying weather and road conditions.
5. Must be able to deal effectively with stress.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education
a. High school diploma or equivalent.
b. Completion of a state approved training program and certification as a home health aide, and proof of certification.
c. Must have completed a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and supervised practical training/ instruction as a home health aide in accordance with 42 C.F.R. Section 484.80 (b).
d. Must demonstrate skills and have a passing score on a written competency test in accordance with 42 C.F.R. Section 484.80 (a) prior to working independently with a patient.
2. Experience
a. Minimum age requirement of 18.
b. Minimum of 1 year of direct patient care experience in an institutional or home care setting required, with community health/home health experience preferred.
3. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification
a. Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation that is insured in accordance with state laws and requirements.
b. Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.
c. Satisfactory criminal background check.

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