Home Health Aide

Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting adult clients, manual and finger dexterity and eye hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods, as well as bending and climbing of stairs. Commonly lifts, carries and maneuvers items weighing more than 50 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Requires working under conditions which may be stressful and working irregular hours. Must have basic English language skills (encompassing reading, writing and verbal abilities) and basic math/arithmetic skills. Must be able to read, comprehend and act by established policies and procedures. Requires continual/consistent orientation to time, place, role, person and other factors related to client care. Requires personality characteristics such as even temperament, emotional balance and maturity, accompanied by a mature/balanced approach to problem solving. Requires ability to work within established standards under minimal on-site supervision. All HHA health related task activities must be performed under the direction and supervision of a registered professional nurse and/or therapist utilizing a written plan of care. The following are examples of possible health-related tasks to be performed by the HHA: - Bathing, change of bed linen, toileting, dressing, feeding, shampooing, shaving, mouth care, nail care and prescribed skin care. - Ambulation and transfer activities. - Ostomy care. - Assisting the client with the use of medical equipment, supplies and devices as prescribed. - Assisting with self-administered medication. - Simple skincare. - Take and record pulse, temperature, respiration and blood pressure. - Perform light housekeeping activities (tidying, shopping, laundry) as necessary to maintain a healthful client environment. - Observe, report and record changes in the clients condition and/or environment to appropriate staff as needed. - Use of proper body mechanics. - Adhering to accepted infection control practices. - Maintaining a clean, safe work environment. - Assisting with nutritional and fluid intake needs, including preparation of meals for simple and modified duties. - Ensuring clients rights and confidentiality are maintained. - Establishing a positive rapport with clients, clients family members and other members of the health care team. HHA tasks performed under special circumstances are not transferable from client to client. Training from a nurse must be received for each client requiring the tasks. Examples of tasks: applying heat or cold, dressing change, prescribed skin care, medication administration, using oxygen. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of the paraprofessional home health aide theory and practice to give and evaluate client care. Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations and procedures to administer client care. Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer client care. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment. Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of paraprofessional care to provide ongoing client care. Skill in maintaining records and written documentation. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, clients families, and medical staff. Ability to maintain and work by accepted quality assurance standards. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergencies. Ability to apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly. Education: Satisfactory completion of NYS Health Department approved HHA Training Program or Equivalency. Requires sixth grade English reading comprehension level. Writing and math skill level to the extent necessary for the successful and safe performance of required job functions. Experience: One year work experience preferred. Other: Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. All HHAs are Per Diem.