Caregiver

Caregiver Job Description

 Objective:

The Caregiver functions as a direct representative for Touching Hearts at Home with clients by providing in-home care services. This position will assist with companionship, meal preparation, personal hygiene assistance, laundry, basic housekeeping, pet care, cognitive assistance and client safety at all times. The Caregiver is to follow the client’s care plan and daily tasks to ensure consistency.

 Knowledge/Skills:

•        Professional and courteous
•        Demonstrates active listening and communication skills
•        Good personal presentation
•        Skills checked for Fall Prevention and Safety
•        Knowledge in basic care needs and restrictions for non-medical care
•        Ability to function in a high-pressure environment
•        Ability to troubleshoot problems as they occur
•        Ability to identify a life-threatening emergency and contact emergency services promptly

Responsibilities:

•        Provide in-home care from basic to advance levels dependent upon employee career path and clients’ needs
•        Provide respectful, supportive, and friendly interactions
•        Assist with hobbies, crafts, and leisure activities
•        Assist with grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, monitor special diets and maintain food safety
•        Assist with personal hygiene to include: bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, skin care, toileting and dressing
•        Provide basic to light housekeeping while maintaining sanitary conditions
•        Provide laundry completion. Follow routine maintenance of dryer by emptying the lint trap before and after use
•        Follow communication techniques unique to older adults and engage in meaningful interactions
•        Follow Positive Approach to Care® skills 
•        Be punctual by arriving to client’s home with sufficient time to enter the home, greet the client and complete clock-in prior to scheduled start time
•        Maintain client confidentiality and follow HIPAA standards
•        Uphold standards to maintain the client's property in good condition at all times. Respect property and personal space.
•        Report any change in condition or care plan changes in a timely manner to the Office Support Team
•        Maintain detailed, thorough and complete documentation
•        Be alert, attentive, and engaged with clients. Sleeping is prohibited at any time.
•        Follow CDC universal precaution standards and maintain supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the home
•        Pet care as needed
•        Refrain from smoking during working hours
•        Follow policies and procedures outlined in the employee handbook

Other Duties:

•        Demonstrate company mission statement and core values
•        Ensure compliance
•        Communicate with the Office Support Team
•        Participate in required training sessions

Working Conditions:

•        Often work indoors in client homes, but may be required to work outside in varying temperatures
•        Frequently required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to hazardous materials
•        May be requested to work overtime, holidays and weekends
•        May be requested to lift items (no more than 25 lbs.)
•        May be standing for long periods of time
•        Other physical requirements and range-of-motion may be requested. Reasonable accommodations will be provided

Travel:

•        Frequently required to travel
•        May be required to transport clients

Qualifications:

•        Prior experience in Home Care helpful but not required
•        English speaking (required)
•        Driver’s License and Auto Insurance (required)
•        High School Degree or Higher (preferred)
•        STNA/CNA (preferred)
•        Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease training (preferred)
•        Physical ability

Reports to:

Director of Care Team Development or owner

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.