Health Assistant - Aging Services, On Call/Per Diem

Health Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY: The Health Assistant provides direct care and support services to customers in accordance with individualized service plans, agency policies, and State of Maine regulations. Responsibilities include medication administration, personal care assistance, documentation, housekeeping support, meal assistance, recreational engagement, and promoting participant safety, dignity, and independence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides personal care services to participants as outlined in individualized care and service plans, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
2. Administers medications and documents medication administration accurately in accordance with physician orders, agency policy, CRMA regulations, and agency documentation procedures.
3. Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential participant records including progress notes, medication documentation, physician orders, incident reports, and daily service documentation.
4. Assists with meal preparation, meal service, participant dining support, and kitchen clean-up while following all applicable health and sanitation guidelines.
5. Provides housekeeping, laundry, and environmental support services necessary to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming program environment.
6. Assists in planning, facilitating, and encouraging participant involvement in social, recreational, and therapeutic activities that promote wellness, independence, and quality of life.
7. Maintains ongoing communication with participants, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners as appropriate to support coordinated participant care.
8. Observes participants for changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral condition and promptly reports concerns to the supervisor or appropriate healthcare personnel.
9. Assists with participant transportation and escort services to appointments, activities, or community outings as assigned.
10. Participates in staff meetings, required trainings, professional development activities, and agency initiatives to ensure compliance with program standards and best practices.
11. Maintains compliance with OSHA regulations, infection control standards, universal precautions, and all agency safety procedures.
12. Promotes positive teamwork and professional working relationships with co-workers, volunteers, participants, families, and community partners.
13. Answers telephones, greet visitors, relays information, and assists with general program communication and administrative support duties as needed.
14. Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support program operations and participant care.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED FOR POSITION:

Experience and Skill Requirements:

1-2 years of prior experience in a medical/clinical or office setting or assisted living environment

Crisis intervention and management

Skills:

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent listening skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Excellent written communication skills

Excellent recordkeeping skills

Use Microsoft Office applications and other computer software as applicable to the position.

Work with a diverse population

Work independently

Ability to safely assist participants with mobility, transfers, and ambulation.

Education and Knowledge Requirements:

High School Diploma or the equivalent

• Current Maine CRMA Certification (40-hour course) required
• Current Personal Support Specialist (PSS) certification required.
• Knowledge and ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Knowledge of medication administration procedures, infection control practices, universal precautions, and participant rights.
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures and participant safety practices.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• Must have a current C.H.R.C.
• Must have a current driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

Other Requirements:

Ability to work a flexible schedule

• Must pass required background checks
• Must maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Must be physically able to assist participants with transfers, mobility, and daily care tasks.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Maintains and promotes the highest level of understanding of the Agency's Mission, Vision, and Goals.

2. Maintains confidentiality; protects the Agency by keeping information concerning employees, those we serve, and the Agency itself confidential.

3. Follows all safety policies and procedures with a "safety first" approach to all job duties.

4. Exhibits a positive, professional, and collaborative attitude with others inside and outside the Agency.

5. Exhibits teamwork through effective internal communication and working relationships.

6. Is punctual for scheduled work and uses time appropriately.

7. Performs required amount of work in a timely fashion with a minimum of errors.

8. Participates in trainings, conferences, and meetings as necessary.

9. Possesses and exhibits the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity.

10. Represents the Agency in the community as appropriate to the role.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the Incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, including operation of a standard computer keyboard; reach with hands and arms and talk, see and hear; prolonged standing is required. Eye hand coordination and manual dexterity required. The employee must regularly lift/move up to 75 pounds, including assisting with moving patients, as well as bend, stoop, stretch or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in office or assisted living environments. Noise level is moderate. Frequent local and occasional long-distance travel may be required, sometimes in inclement weather. There may be frequent exposure to hazardous and infectious materials, including blood borne pathogens.