Direct Care Worker

Position Overview
The Direct Care Worker (DCW) provides personal care and/or related services in the home.  She/he functions under the direction, instruction and supervision of the Clinical Director and/or appropriate supervisor.  The DCW receives scheduling direction from the Client Services Coordinator and/or supervisor.

Essential Job Functions
Tasks to be performed by a DCW must be assigned by and performed under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and/or appropriate supervisor, who will be responsible for the client care provided by the DCW.  Under no circumstances may a DCW be assigned any responsibilities related to any intravenous procedures; procedures involving the administration of oral, sublingual, subcutaneous, transdermal, rectal or topical medications; or any other sterile or invasive procedures.  Except as otherwise noted, duties of the DCW may include:
Helps the client to maintain good personal hygiene including bathing, shaving, grooming and dressing
Assists in maintaining a healthy, safe environment
Plans and prepares and may feed the client nutritious meals.  Completes errands when instructed to do so by the company supervisor
Assists the client with transfers and ambulation with or without an assistive device
Provides medication reminders
Encourages the client to become as independent as possible according to the nursing care plan
Attempts to promote client's mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest
Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the client and other members of the household
Establishes a relationship with client and family which transmits trust and confidence
Maintains client/family confidentiality at all times
Prepares a visit report on the day it is performed and incorporates the report in the clinical record weekly or as directed
Reports any change in client's mental or physical condition
Reports any changes in home situation to the company
Carries out assignment(s) as instructed by their supervisor and reports any pertinent changes to care
Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the client, as instructed by the supervisor
Participates in in-service education as required by company policy and state/federal regulations
Confirms on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Director, to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel
Notifies the Company of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, bereavement or special professional meetings which will affect service(s) with the Company


Requirements
Completion of high school diploma or  equivalent preferred
Possess basic math, reading, and writing skills
Ability to speak, comprehend, read and write English consistent with job requirements
Completion of a basic aide training program and/or Direct Care Worker test consistent with state/federal  requirements
Satisfactory performance on a training competency evaluation and or exam and ongoing annual re-evaluation
Completion of one year's employment as a personal care aide, nurse's aide or in another healthcare related field preferred
Has the emotional and mental maturity necessary for establishing and maintaining a good relationship with client, client's family, and the personnel of the company.
Must have available, reliable transportation to and from assignments
Completion of all applicable health screening(s)
A minimum of two satisfactory references and background screenings are obtained prior to hire

Physical Requirements
Must be able to read 12 point or larger type
Must be able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people
Must be able to stoop and bend
Must be able to travel to prospective clients' residences
Must be able to safely lift, turn and transfer clients weighing up to 50 pounds
Must be able to carry bundles weighing up to 10 pounds up stairs

Environment
Must be able to function in a wide variety of environments which may involve exposure to allergens and other various conditions

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.