Heart Homes Lead Caregiver

JOB TITLE

Heart Homes Lead Caregiver

DEPARTMENT

Medical

POSITION SUMMARY

The H.E.A.R.T. Homes Lead Caregiver provides compassionate, respectful, person-centered, non-medical care and support to elders living in the H.E.A.R.T. Homes program while serving as a lead resource for caregivers during assigned shifts.

The Lead Caregiver supports resident independence, dignity, safety, comfort, and quality of life while respecting each elder’s preferences, culture, traditions, and right to make decisions about their life.

In addition to providing direct resident care, the Lead Caregiver helps coordinate daily caregiving activities, supports consistent implementation of resident care plans, assists with shift communication and handoff, mentors and supports caregivers, identifies and communicates changes in resident condition, and helps maintain a safe, organized, homelike environment.

The Lead Caregiver works under the direction of the RN Clinical Coordinator and does not independently perform nursing functions, make clinical determinations, change resident care plans, or direct care beyond the employee’s training, competency, and authorized scope.

JOB DUTIES

DIRECT RESIDENT CARE

• Perform all essential caregiver duties, including:
• Provide respectful assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
• Bathing and personal hygiene
• Dressing and grooming
• Toileting and continence care
• Oral and personal hygiene
• Eating and hydration
• Mobility and positioning
• Transfers, within the employee’s training, competency, and authorized scope
• Encourage residents to perform as much of their own care as safely possible.
• Promote resident independence, dignity, choice, and self-determination.
• Follow individual care plans and resident‑specific instructions regarding mobility, positioning, fall prevention, personal care, nutrition, hydration, and other support needs.
• Use appropriate body mechanics and resident‑specific transfer techniques.
• Maintain resident privacy and dignity during all personal‑care activities.
• Assist with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup in accordance with resident preferences, dietary requirements, and applicable food‑safety practices.
• Perform laundry and light housekeeping necessary to maintain a clean, comfortable, safe, and homelike environment.
• Provide medication reminders or other medication‑related assistance only when permitted by law, the resident’s care plan, organizational policy, and the employee’s training and authorization.
• Support residents with appointments, activities, social engagement, cultural activities, and community participation as assigned.
• Perform nurse‑directed or delegated tasks only when properly trained, authorized, and supervised in accordance with applicable requirements.

LEAD SHIFT COORDINATION

• Under the direction of the RN Clinical Coordinator, provide day-to-day leadership and coordination for assigned shifts.
• Serve as the primary caregiver resource and point of contact during assigned shifts.
• Help organize and prioritize resident‑care activities to ensure resident needs are addressed timely and appropriately.
• Coordinate the completion of scheduled resident care, meals, wellness checks, household responsibilities, activities, and other assigned duties.
• Monitor completion of routine caregiver responsibilities and follow up on outstanding tasks.
• Help ensure resident care is provided consistently in accordance with current care plans, instructions, and organizational policies.
• Communicate important resident information, staffing concerns, unfinished tasks, and other relevant matters to the RN Clinical Coordinator or designated supervisor.
• Provide effective shift‑to‑shift handoff and ensure important resident information is communicated to the incoming caregiver team.
• Help maintain appropriate staffing coverage during the shift by communicating callouts, late arrivals, or other staffing concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Notify the RN Clinical Coordinator promptly when staffing or resident needs exceed the available resources or require clinical direction.
• Assist with maintaining an organized, calm, respectful, and resident‑centered home environment.
• The Lead Caregiver does not have independent authority to alter resident care plans, make clinical decisions, administer care outside their scope, or make employment decisions unless specifically authorized by H.E.A.R.T. Homes policy.

CAREGIVER LEADERSHIP, MENTORING, AND SUPPORT

• Model respectful, compassionate, person-centered caregiving at all times.
• Provide guidance and practical support to caregivers regarding established routines, resident preferences, care‑plan instructions, safety practices, and organizational procedures.
• Assist new caregivers with orientation to the home, residents, routines, equipment, documentation expectations, and workplace practices.
• Demonstrate appropriate techniques for personal care, mobility, transfers, infection prevention, resident communication, and other caregiver responsibilities within the Lead Caregiver’s competency.
• Encourage teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and respectful communication among caregivers.
• Identify opportunities for coaching, additional training, or competency development and communicate them to the RN Clinical Coordinator.
• Address routine workflow or performance concerns in a respectful and professional manner and elevate significant or unresolved concerns to the RN Clinical Coordinator.
• Help promote a positive work culture centered on resident dignity, safety, respect, cultural responsiveness, and teamwork.
• Maintain professional boundaries and do not provide clinical direction beyond the Lead Caregiver’s authorized role.

RESIDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS OBSERVATION

• Observe residents for changes in physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, or functional condition.
• Communicate significant or concerning changes promptly to the RN Clinical Coordinator or designated supervisor.
• Complete wellness and safety checks as assigned.
• Monitor and report concerns related to hydration, nutrition, mobility, sleep, elimination, mood, behavior, pain or discomfort, skin condition, and functional changes.
• Follow resident‑specific care plans and instructions.
• Recognize when a resident’s needs may exceed the caregiver team’s ability to safely provide care and promptly notify the RN Clinical Coordinator.
• Follow nurse‑directed instructions and delegated tasks only within the employee’s authorized scope and demonstrated competency.
• The Lead Caregiver is responsible for observation and reporting, not independent nursing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or modification of clinical care.

RESIDENT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and accessible residential environment.
• Identify and promptly report environmental hazards, unsafe conditions, and potential risks.
• Help ensure caregivers follow established fall‑prevention, infection‑control, emergency, and safety procedures.
• Follow established emergency, evacuation, fire, disaster, missing‑person, fall‑response, and incident‑reporting procedures.
• Coordinate immediate caregiver response during emergencies within the Lead Caregiver’s training and authorized scope until additional assistance arrives.
• Ensure the RN Clinical Coordinator or designated supervisor is notified promptly of significant incidents, injuries, falls, changes in condition, or emergencies.
• Maintain required CPR and First Aid credentials.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other required incidents immediately and in accordance with applicable law and organizational policy.
• Protect residents from preventable harm while supporting their right to make informed choices and maintain appropriate independence.

CULTURAL, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

• Provide culturally responsive and trauma‑informed care.
• Respect Swinomish culture, traditions, values, family structures, community relationships, and practices.
• Support resident participation in cultural, spiritual, recreational, and community activities.
• Promote family and community connections.
• Encourage appropriate intergenerational engagement.
• Build respectful, trusting relationships with residents while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Model respectful communication and culturally responsive caregiving for other caregivers.
• Support resident choice, autonomy, self‑determination, and dignity.
• Recognize and respect individual preferences regarding food, routines, activities, communication, privacy, and personal care.

DOCUMENTATION AND COMMUNICATION

• Complete accurate, timely, objective, and confidential documentation of services provided and required resident observations.
• Review assigned shift documentation for completeness and communicate significant omissions or concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Ensure significant changes in resident condition are promptly communicated to the RN Clinical Coordinator and documented as required.
• Complete or assist with incident and event reports in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Provide accurate shift reports and handoffs.
• Communicate relevant information to caregivers, the RN Clinical Coordinator, residents, families, providers, and other members of the care team within the Lead Caregiver’s role.
• Protect resident privacy and confidential information in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Use electronic or written documentation systems as required.
• Do not alter, falsify, backdate, or complete documentation on behalf of another employee.

HOUSEHOLD AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help maintain a clean, safe, organized, comfortable, and home‑like environment.
• Monitor completion of routine housekeeping, laundry, kitchen, and resident‑area responsibilities during assigned shifts.
• Assist with meal preparation, food storage, serving, and cleanup consistent with resident preferences and applicable food‑safety practices.
• Report equipment, supply, maintenance, or environmental concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Help ensure commonly used resident‑care supplies and household items are appropriately stocked and stored.
• Follow infection‑prevention, sanitation, food‑safety, and workplace‑safety procedures.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow H.E.A.R.T. Homes policies, procedures, resident rights, care plans, and supervisory direction.
• Maintain professional boundaries with residents, families, visitors, and coworkers.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, accountability, and professional conduct.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality at all times.
• Attend required staff meetings, training, competency evaluations, and continuing education.
• Maintain required credentials and training.
• Participate in quality‑improvement, safety, emergency‑preparedness, and performance‑improvement activities as assigned.
• Accept coaching and feedback and support a culture of continuous learning.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position, employee’s training, competency, and applicable requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred/required according to H.E.A.R.T. Homes policy.
• Previous experience providing care or support to elders, individuals with disabilities, or other vulnerable adults.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively as part of a caregiving team.
• Previous lead, preceptor, mentoring, shift‑lead, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Home Care Aide (HCA), Nursing Assistant‑Certified (NAC), or other qualifying credential/experience preferred.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain and maintain certification within the timeframe permitted by applicable requirements.
• Ability to successfully complete required Washington State long‑term‑care‑worker training and H.E.A.R.T. Homes orientation and competency requirements.
• Ability to pass required background screening and meet applicable character, competence, and suitability requirements.
• Ability to safely perform the physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, or other shifts as assigned.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.
• Demonstrated compassion, patience, respect, leadership, and professionalism.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently while appropriately seeking guidance and direction.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, caregivers, nurses, families, and other care‑team members.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles of person‑centered care and aging.
• Activities of daily living and appropriate caregiving practices.
• Resident rights, dignity, privacy, autonomy, and confidentiality.
• Basic infection prevention and control practices.
• Basic fall prevention and environmental safety.
• Basic emergency‑response procedures.
• Professional boundaries when working with elders and vulnerable adults.
• H.E.A.R.T. Homes policies, procedures, resident care plans, and reporting requirements.
• Principles of effective teamwork, shift coordination, and caregiver communication.
• Cultural responsiveness and trauma‑informed care.
• Basic principles of coaching, mentoring, and workplace professionalism.

SKILLS

• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Active listening and respectful interpersonal communication.
• Leadership and shift‑coordination skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple resident‑care responsibilities.
• Ability to coach and support caregivers respectfully and effectively.
• Safe assistance with personal care, mobility, positioning, and transfers within training and competency.
• Accurate observation and reporting.
• Timely and objective documentation.
• Basic problem‑solving and sound judgment.
• Ability to de‑escalate stressful situations and respond calmly during emergencies.
• Ability to establish respectful and trusting relationships with residents.
• Ability to use electronic or written documentation systems as required.
• Ability to communicate effectively during shift handoffs.
• Ability to identify and appropriately elevate concerns to the RN Clinical Coordinator.

ABILITIES

• Demonstrate compassion, patience, empathy, respect, and professionalism.
• Recognize changes in a resident’s condition and report them promptly.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and resident‑specific care plans.
• Prioritize resident safety while promoting independence and choice.
• Lead by example and model appropriate caregiver practices.
• Provide constructive guidance and support to coworkers.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Exercise sound judgment within the limits of training and assigned responsibilities.
• Recognize situations requiring RN or supervisory intervention and elevate them promptly.
• Remain calm and effective in emergency or stressful situations.
• Work independently while knowing when to seek assistance.
• Accept feedback and participate in ongoing training and competency development.
• Interact respectfully with people from diverse cultural, social, and personal backgrounds.
• Support a collaborative, respectful, and resident‑centered work environment.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Required

• CPR and First Aid: Maintain a current CPR and First Aid card/certificate from an acceptable training organization.
• Washington Long‑Term Care Worker Training: Complete applicable orientation, safety, basic training, and other required training within the timelines established by Washington State requirements.
• Home Care Aide Certification: Obtain and maintain Washington State Home Care Aide certification when required by applicable law. Washington rules require long‑term‑care workers to obtain HCA certification unless an applicable exemption applies.
• Continuing Education: Complete required continuing education and maintain documentation of required training and credentials.
• Background Check: Successfully complete required background screening and any additional screening required for employees providing care to vulnerable adults.
• Facility Orientation: Successfully complete H.E.A.R.T. Homes orientation and all required job‑specific training before performing duties independently.
• Additional Training as Applicable
• Depending on the residents served, the Caregiver may be required to complete additional training, competency demonstrations, or specialty training related to:
• Dementia
• Mental health
• Developmental disabilities
• Nurse delegation
• Diabetes/insulin‑related care
• Infection prevention and control
• Food safety
• Behavioral support
• Other resident‑specific conditions or care needs
• H.E.A.R.T. Homes may establish additional training or certification requirements when reasonably related to resident safety, quality of care, program operations, or job responsibilities.

BENEFITS

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

POLICIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

The Tribe complies with the Tribal Preference policy outlined in the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), STC Title 14, Chapter 1, Subsection 14.01.120(A)(2) of the Swinomish Tribal Code.

1. The Tribe strives for a drug‑free workplace environment. Drug and alcohol screening at time of hire is mandatory in sensitive and hazardous positions and where required by the job announcement/description or positions working with Tribal youth.