Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) (Brain Injury)

Overview

Provides direct service and daily routine and episodic personal care in a program model designed to meet the needs of clients who have been diagnosed with a brain injury and who may also have complex medical needs. Provides assistance with activities of daily living and administers medication under Medication Administration Program (MAP) guidelines. Assists program in meeting and maintaining high quality standards and provides value to the clients. Ensures a safe and clean environment.

Responsibilities

Creates an environment in which family, friends, and others important in the lives of clients are welcome, respected, and valued.
• Provides assistance with activities of daily living according to each individual's treatment plan and ISP that includes, but is not limited to, community membership, community relationships, vital signs, laundry, toileting, showering, dressing, shaving, wound care, foot care, skin checks, and passive range of motion exercises, as needed or ordered by primary care provider.
• Monitors and observes individuals served for any changes in physical, mental, or emotional status. Reports any changes to Program Director.
• Stores, administers, documents, and disposes of clients' medications consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and if applicable, company policy. Ensures program compliance with MAP protocols.
• Takes and documents client's temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure; and provides skin care, toileting, and passive range of motion exercises as ordered by primary care provider.
• Assists and/or accompanies clients in attending regular medical and other appointments.
• Acts as an advocate for individuals.
• Creates an environment, including individual's room and common area, that is safe, clean, welcoming, and respectful to individuals, families, and neighbors. Ensures that environment meets all safety and regulatory standards.
• Transports, assists, and accompanies individuals served to medical, dental, and other appointments as directed by shift/program manager/administrator.
• Works effectively and safely with assistive equipment that includes, but is not limited to, wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, and other medical equipment. Maintains individuals' served medical equipment and supplies that include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, and Hoyer lifts.
• Works effectively and safely with medical equipment that includes, but is not limited to, glucometers, nebulizers, oxygen.
• Adheres to all company and divisional and program specific policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers' compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control. Complies with accreditation and licensing standards, as well as regulations.
• Participates in community meetings, trainings, attends supervision meetings, staff meetings, and team meetings, as requested.
• Assists with orientation of new staff.
• Documents services provided to individuals, as required by Vinfen policy.
• Completes all service delivery, MAP, and administrative documentation in a thorough and timely manner.
• Contributes to program's quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Uses crisis intervention techniques, as necessary. Accesses on-call back up, when needed.
• Ensures maintenance and safety of physical site.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.


Knowledge and Skills:
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues
• Ability to accurately and effectively communicate verbally
• Ability to accurately and effectively document nursing care provided
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of teaching modalities
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
• Knowledge of documentation standards requirements
• Sensitivity to the cultural religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources
• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles
• Extensive knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
• Ability to balance competing judgments and decisions
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

Typical Requirements:

One or two years of job-specific experience in human services field preferred. Experience working with individuals with brain injury preferred.

Preferred /Required Education:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Driving Requirements:

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. - If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with
PS, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications Post Hire:

CPR required within two weeks of hire

First Aid required within two weeks of hire

MAP required within 150 days of hire

Safety Care required within 90 days of hire

May be asked to obtain CBIS certification (Certified Brian Injury Specialist)

Required Credentials/Licenses:

Current Certified Home Health Aide Certification (CHHA) in state of service required.

Pay Range

USD $23.25 - USD $23.25 /Hr.