Home Health and Hospice Aide - PRN

Job Summary:

The Home Health Aide provides compassionate, safe, and effective personal care and homemaking services to patients receiving care in the home, nursing facility, inpatient unit, or other care environments. The Home Health Aide reports directly to the Senior Manager of Business Operations, but all clinical supervision and delegation of nursing responsibilities will be provided by a registered nurse (RN). Under the supervision of a RN and in accordance with the patient’s individualized plan of care, the aide supports the mission of delivering exceptional home health and hospice services. The role is integral to the interdisciplinary team, ensuring dignity, comfort, and support for patients and families while embodying the agency’s Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Appreciation. 

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Care & Support:

• Provide personal care services including hygiene, mobility, nutrition support, elimination, safe transfers, ambulation, and positioning as directed by the plan of care.
• Support independence, companionship, and respite for families and caregivers.
• Perform light housekeeping and meal preparation as prescribed in the plan of care.
• Maintain a safe environment, demonstrate proper use of patient care equipment, and practice universal precautions at all times.
• Monitor and record vital signs, intake/output, skin condition, and changes in patient status; promptly report observations to the RN case manager.

Documentation & Compliance:

• Accurately document all care and patient/family responses in compliance with agency policies, state regulations, and Medicare Conditions of Participation.
• Submit documentation timely to support accurate billing and continuity of care.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, state/federal regulations, and agency policies.

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration:

• Actively participate as a member of the hospice/home health interdisciplinary team, communicating changes in patient condition and identifying needs for intervention.
• Collaborate with family, caregivers, and team members to provide patient-centered, coordinated care.
• Support the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families in partnership with the care team.

Resource Utilization:

• Manage caseload efficiently, coordinating travel time for visits while maintaining quality care.
• Use supplies and equipment responsibly to support cost-effective care delivery.
• Maintain regular attendance and function independently while seeking guidance appropriately.

Customer Service Excellence:

• Demonstrate the highest level of customer awareness by treating each interaction with empathy, dignity, and respect.
• Offer assistance willingly, accept feedback constructively, and consistently act in a courteous and professional manner.
• Maintain accountability for patient and family satisfaction throughout the care episode.

Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI):

• Participate in performance improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for enhancing patient outcomes and safety.
• Contribute to record reviews, audits, and committee work as requested.
• Engage in continuous learning and skill-building to support agency excellence.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Attend staff, departmental, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of annual in-service training in accordance with state and federal requirements.
• Assist with committees, special projects, and other assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of hospice philosophy and care for the terminally ill.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and familiarity with EMR/EHR systems for accurate documentation.
• Experience handling medical equipment such as Hoyer lifts or managing vital signs is desirable.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with healthcare teams and families.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion while maintaining professionalism.

The above requirements are representative of minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities. To perform this job successfully, the individual will possess the ability and aptitude to perform each duty proficiently 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

The physical requirements represent those that an employee must meet to perform this job’s essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions may be available.

• Requires travel within the agency’s service area to provide care in patient homes and community settings. Exposure to varying home environments and conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Adequate visual/hearing ability for patient care and communication.

Education and Other Requirements:

• Minimum age of 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a state-approved training program with current certification as a Home Health/Hospice Aide. Must demonstrate competency in accordance with 42 C.F.R. §484.80 prior to providing independent patient care.
• At least one year of direct patient care experience in home care, hospice, or institutional setting preferred. Experience in community health and/or hospice strongly preferred.
• CPR certification required.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance with acceptable driving history is required. 

Core Values:

• Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships. 
• Respect: We value the potential in each individual and treat all with dignity and compassion. 
• Teamwork: We work together without barriers and encourage creativity through empowerment. 
• Appreciation: We foster a culture that recognizes and rewards the contributions of each employee. 

Additional Information:  

• REQUIRED CLEARANCES: The following are required at time of hire: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Positions providing direct patient care will also be required every 5 years after date of hire.
• The job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties as assigned might be part of the job.
• This job description does not constitute an employment contract; the employment relationship between VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove and the employee is an at-will relationship.
• This position is considered a safety sensitive position, which means the employee’s job performance can affect the safety of the employee and others. Job performance under the influence of alcohol or drugs could lead to physical injury or death to the employee, other employees, or members of the public at large. Therefore, employees must be able to perform the job responsibilities without causing a threat to co-workers, to the workplace, or to the public at large.
• We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, hair type, texture, and protective hairstyles like locs, braids, and twists, or any other status or any other characteristic protected by law.