Home Care Aide - Caregiver

GUARDIANS OF HOME CARE
CAREGIVER / HOME CARE AIDE JOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY

The Caregiver / Home Care Aide is responsible for providing non-medical personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, companionship, supervision, and routine household support to clients in their homes in accordance with the client's care plan and agency policies. The Caregiver supports each client's independence, dignity, safety, comfort, and quality of life while observing and reporting changes in the client's condition or needs. Caregivers may also assist with social engagement and daily routines to help clients maintain their optimum level of functioning.

Reports To: Administrator, Care Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator, or other designated supervisor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities described below are representative of those an employee may perform while carrying out the essential functions of the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Guardians of Home Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) as authorized by the care plan and permitted by law. This may include bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, dressing, toileting, incontinence care, ambulation, transfers, repositioning, and assistance with eating.
• Provide companionship, emotional support, and social interaction to clients in a respectful and professional manner.
• Assist with mobility and transfers using safe body mechanics and approved transfer techniques.
• Prepare meals and snacks according to client preferences, dietary needs, and care instructions, and assist with feeding when appropriate.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks related to the client's care, including laundry, dishwashing, changing bed linens, organizing living areas, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
• Assist clients with walking, exercise, and other approved activities to support strength, mobility, and wellbeing.
• Provide medication reminders only, in accordance with the client care plan and agency policy. Caregivers may not administer medications unless specifically authorized by law and agency policy.
• Accompany or transport clients to appointments, errands, or community activities when authorized and if assigned to do so.
• Observe and promptly report any changes in the client's physical condition, mental status, behavior, environment, or overall wellbeing to the office or supervisor.
• Follow all client care plans, service plans, assigned schedules, and documentation requirements.
• Complete all required care notes, timesheets, visit verification, incident reports, and other records accurately and by the end of each shift or as required by agency policy.
• Maintain client confidentiality and protect all personal and health-related information in accordance with agency policy and applicable privacy laws.
• Use universal precautions and follow infection prevention and control procedures when providing care.
• Follow all safety procedures, including fall prevention, emergency response, disaster preparedness, and reporting of unsafe conditions.
• Maintain professionalism in interactions with clients, family members, coworkers, referral sources, and members of the public.
• Support a positive image of Guardians of Home Care through appropriate dress, punctuality, communication, and respectful conduct.
• Attend orientation, in-service training, staff meetings, and all other required training sessions.
• Maintain all required registrations, clearances, health screenings, and certifications as required by California law and agency policy.
• Report any known or suspected abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, or other reportable concerns involving an elder or dependent adult, as required by law.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Administrator or designated supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Age Requirement:
Must be at least 18 years of age.

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience:
Previous caregiving, home care, personal care, or related experience preferred, but not required.

Communication Skills:
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to carry out job duties, follow instructions, complete documentation, and communicate effectively with clients, families, supervisors, and coworkers.

Reasoning Skills:
Ability to exercise sound judgment, remain patient and calm, and respond appropriately to client needs, including those involving cognitive impairment, dementia, confusion, or limited mobility.

Equipment Used:
May include standard household equipment such as washer, dryer, stove, microwave, vacuum cleaner, mop, and basic mobility or transfer-assist equipment as applicable in the client's home.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, lift, push, and assist clients with mobility and personal care tasks as needed. Must be physically able to perform the duties of the position safely and effectively.

Health Requirements:
Must meet all health screening, TB testing, and other health clearance requirements in accordance with California law and agency policy.

Personal Characteristics:
Must demonstrate honesty, reliability, professionalism, compassion, patience, good judgment, and respect for clients and their families. Must be able to work independently in a client's home while maintaining agency standards.

Other Requirements:

• Must pass all required background clearance requirements before providing services.
• Must be eligible for registration as a Home Care Aide in California, if applicable.
• Must complete required orientation and training, including entry-level and annual training requirements, as required by California law and agency policy.
• Must maintain current certifications such as First Aid and CPR if required by the agency.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and proof of auto insurance if driving is required for the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Care is provided in clients' private homes and may involve a variety of home environments and conditions. The Caregiver may work with elderly clients, disabled adults, or clients with chronic conditions, cognitive impairment, fall risk, or other physical or emotional care needs. The position may require weekend, evening, holiday, or overnight availability depending on client needs and assignment.