Direct Care Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Job DescriptionDirect Care Worker (DCW)

Position Summary

The Direct Care Worker (DCW) provides non-medical, person-centered care and support to individuals receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The DCW assists participants with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), community participation, and other authorized services while promoting independence, dignity, health, safety, and quality of life.

The DCW performs duties in accordance with the participant's Plan of Care, Service Authorization, company policies, and all applicable federal, state, and managed care regulations.

Reports To

• Administrator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Personal Care Assistance

• Assist with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, oral hygiene, and personal appearance.

• Assist with mobility, transfers, ambulation, positioning, and range-of-motion activities as authorized.

• Provide medication reminders (does not administer medications unless permitted by law and company policy).

• Observe and report changes in the participant's physical, emotional, or cognitive condition.

Home Support Services

• Prepare nutritious meals and assist with feeding when authorized.

• Perform light housekeeping related to the participant's care, including:
  • Laundry

  • Dishwashing

  • Vacuuming

  • Dusting

  • Changing bed linens

  • Trash removal

• Assist with grocery shopping and essential errands as authorized.

Community Participation

• Accompany participants to medical appointments and community activities.

• Support community integration and participation in social, educational, recreational, or employment activities.

• Encourage independence while respecting participant choice.

Documentation

• Accurately document services provided each shift.

• Complete electronic visit verification (EVV) and required visit documentation.

• Report incidents, accidents, injuries, suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately according to company policy.

• Maintain timely and accurate records.

Participant Rights

• Treat all participants with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

• Protect participant confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.

• Support participant choice, independence, privacy, and self-determination.

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Safety

• Maintain a safe home environment during service delivery.

• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.

• Use proper body mechanics and safe transfer techniques.

• Respond appropriately during emergencies.

• Follow universal precautions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Minimum age of 18 years.

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

• Additional languages are an asset.

• Ability to follow written care plans and instructions.

• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license if transportation is required.

• Ability to pass all required background checks and employment screenings.

Required Employment Clearances

Prior to providing services, employees must successfully complete all applicable screenings required by Pennsylvania law and company policy, which may include:

• Criminal background check

• Child Abuse Clearance (when applicable)

• FBI fingerprint clearance (when applicable)

• Tuberculosis screening

• Employment eligibility verification

• Any additional screenings required by regulatory agencies or managed care organizations

Required Training

Employees must successfully complete orientation and all mandatory training before working independently, including but not limited to:

• Participant rights

• Person-centered services

• HIPAA and confidentiality

• Infection prevention and control

• Emergency procedures

• Incident reporting

• Abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention

• Cultural competency

• Body mechanics and safe transfers

• Documentation and EVV

• CPR/First Aid (if required)

• Annual mandatory in-service education

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Compassion and respect for others

• Dependability and professionalism

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to work independently

• Strong observation and reporting skills

• Good time management and organizational skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Commitment to person-centered care

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb stairs.

• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Assist participants with transfers and mobility when authorized.

• Perform repetitive movements involving hands and arms.

• Travel between participant homes.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

Services are provided in participants' homes and community settings. Employees may be exposed to varying home environments, pets, weather conditions during travel, and routine household cleaning products.

Professional Standards

Employees are expected to:

• Maintain punctuality and attendance.

• Wear appropriate attire and identification.

• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

• Maintain professional boundaries.

• Follow all Prestige Home Care LLC policies and procedures.

• Participate in supervision, competency evaluations, and continuing education.

• Support the organization's mission, vision, and values.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Prestige Home Care LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the responsibilities and expectations outlined in this job description. I understand that this document describes the general nature of the position and does not constitute an employment contract. Prestige Home Care LLC reserves the right to modify job duties as business needs require.

Employee Name:

Employee Signature:

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Supervisor Signature:

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