Health Service Assistant

Continuous Recruitment, Statewide:   The Division of Personnel (DOP) anticipates several vacancies in the near future for this classification.  This classification has positions in every area of the state and with multiple state agencies.  Make sure you mark in your county selection any county you would be willing to work in or commute to so you can be placed on the proper register.

Under general supervision, performs paraprofessional work at the full-performance level assisting professional staff in the care, treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation of mentally and/or physically challenged at state-operated facilities or in a community setting. Acts as a lead worker or charge assistant in assigning, scheduling and reviewing the work of Health Service Workers. Develops, writes, implements and evaluates basic therapeutic treatment programs. Assists professional staff in providing basic rehabilitative treatment in such areas as physical or occupational therapy, recreational therapy, restorative therapy or similar areas. Travel may be required. Performs related work as required.
 
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This level is identified by the assignment of lead worker duties on an on-going basis or by the assignment of duties to develop and/or monitor program plans within a specific discipline at the facility. May be required to participate in additional training such as physical therapy assistance or basic education techniques. The employee has some latitude of action in the development of treatment plans; however, guidelines and client psychosocial development determine the parameter of individual care.

Click The APPLY Link Above To  Apply Online.  Do not use a paper application unless you cannot apply online. If you must use a paper application due to disability or other valid reason, please call our office (304) 558-3950 and dial 0 for special instructions.

Eligibility Length:  This posting is for a Continuous recruitment because of an expected need for applicants.  Applicants will be placed on a database of eligible applicants for 6 months.  You will only be eligible for vacancies in counties you select.  After 6 months applicants who remain interested in this job title MUST re-apply to be considered.  The Division of Personnel cannot say with any certainty the location or number of future vacancies, only that the agency has expressed an anticipated hiring need.   If an applicant wishes more specific information about future hiring plans please contact the hiring agency directly.

Job Interest Card:  You may complete an online Job Interest Card at our main jobs page to receive an email notice anytime jobs not currently available for application are posted.  Note:  ONLY recruitments not currently open will appear on Job Interest Card notifications so please check the current listings thoroughly to avoid missing an opportunity.

As a condition of employment, an inquiry into job-related information will be completed which may include, but not limited to, criminal records, abuse registry records, driving records, employment history, and education and training.  Failing to cooperate with this process, providing false and incomplete information, or discovery of disqualifying information will result in denial of or dismissal from employment or denial of transfer irrespective of when discovered.

• Participates in a formal training program to develop knowledge and abilities required for career  growth and development.
• Leads and performs required personal care and hygiene services such as bathing, grooming,  dressing and feeding clients.
• Teaches clients basic skills of daily living habits such as cleanliness, personal hygiene, dressing,  eating, etc.
• Provides training, role modeling and direction to assigned staff and clients; prepares work  schedules and makes assignments.
• Oversees and participates in planned recreational and social programs.
• Provides basic nursing care such as taking temperature, blood pressure, and pulse; performs  routine treatment and first-aid under the direction of a licensed practical nurse, registered  nurse, or physician.
• Confers with supervisors and professional staff regarding problems, patient behavior, and  assignment and scheduling of personnel.
• Assists professional staff in the implementation of established therapeutic treatment programs;  serves as a member of the therapeutic treatment team to facilitate change in the clients'  behavior.
• Develops individual treatment plans for clients in assigned specialty area; records plans in client  records and oversees or leads clients in activities, testing, or life skills training.
• Follows physicians' or therapists' direction in providing hands-on therapy or care in assigned  area.
• Leads and may perform duties necessary to maintain a safe, clean and orderly living and work  area; reports needed repairs to maintenance staff; recommends needed equipment and  supplies; orders, distributes and inventories supplies.
• Observes, records and reports clients' behavior, attitudes and physical condition and reports  significant changes to proper staff.
• Teaches clients skill-building in such areas as independent travel, self-administration of  medication, crafts, money management, self-expression, nutrition, crisis management and  social intervention.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the concepts of mental health, health disorders and related physical conditions and  treatment approaches.
• Knowledge of simple nursing care, first-aid, personal and environmental hygiene.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the department, facility or service entity.
• Ability to lead and train workers engaged in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of physically  and mentally ill clients.
• Ability to provide basic nursing care, personal care and hygiene.
• Ability to perform established treatment and programmatic activities.
• Ability to teach clients eating, bathing, dressing, grooming and other self-care skills.
• Ability to participate with professional staff in the design and implementation of treatment and  programmatic activities.
• Ability to observe the rights and personal dignity of others.
• Ability to observe, record and report clients' behavior, attitude and physical condition.
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients and other employees.

Training: Graduation from high school or the equivalent.  
 
Experience: Three years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid or volunteer experience in the care, treatment and development of the physically or mentally ill or mentally retarded.Special Requirement for Department of Health and Human Resources: Employee must successfully complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of required training in the area of assignment as documented by certification and approved by the Department of Health and Human Resources. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed an approved Nursing Assistant course from an approved Vocational Education Technical Center or other approved program or certification by Department of Health and Human Resources as Health Service Worker.

Applicants for positions in long-term care facilities or long-term care units must meet the following requirements:  
Registration with the Nurse Aide Registry by passing a written and manual skills competency evaluation; OR  2. Sit for the written and manual skills competency evaluation within twenty-four (24) months of completing a state-approved curriculum which includes at least eighty (80) hours of instruction and thirty-two (32) hours of clinical supervision; OR 3. Certification through reciprocity from an out-of-state program approved by the state agency.

NOTICE:  If you are claiming college or other post-high school education or license, you MUST attach or provide by mail a legible copy of your OFFICIAL education transcript, license or training record. YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT UNTIL THIS VERIFICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED. To avoid missing a job opportunity, it is important that you provide this verification as soon as possible. You only have to provide this verification one time. It is not required with every application. Attach documents to the online application, or via email to: applicantservices@wv.gov, FAX: 304-957-0396, or mail to: Division of Personnel, Building 3, Suite 500, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25305.

Salary : $21,700 - $40,145