Home Health Aide

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

This position works as a paraprofessional employee who provides comprehensive personal care and assists with other health care needs for the patient under a written Plan of Care.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Gives or assists with bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, hair treatments, nails and skin care.
• Assists with elimination, utilizing a bedpan or urinal, commode or bathroom.
• Feeds or assist patient with eating and prepares meals including special diets prescribed for the patient.
• Assists with positioning, transfers and ambulation, with or without assistive devices.
• Assists patient with prescribed range of motion and prescribed exercise which patient and aide have been taught by designated professional personnel.
• Remind/assist patient with oral medications that can be self-administered.
• Assists with application of non-prescription topical ointments.
• Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure.
• Performs routine catheter care, including catheter irrigation by gravity and removal of catheter if instructed to do so by professional staff.
• Performs clean simple dressing change and decubitus care.
• Assists patient with long standing ostomy (where function is normal and care is routine).  Includes emptying pouch, changing appliance and assisting with preparation of irrigation procedure.
• Documents tasks performed by telephony/or designated record daily.
• Applies ace bandage and elastic stockings.
• Communicates with patient’s families and related persons and agency staff to achieve an effective exchange of verbal/nonverbal and written information
• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information
• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
• Demonstrates/models the Network’s Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external). Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety. Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
• Performs light household homemaking chores in the patient’s immediate environment essential for the safety and comfort of the patient and maintenance of a functional, healthful, and clean environment. Encourage patient to maintain present level of functioning or return to an optimal level of functioning or maintain optimal level of comfort. 
• Portrays a positive image of the agency to the community by participating and supporting agency needs, goals, and objectives. 
• Assumes responsibility for own development through active participation in twelve (12) hours of in-service programs per year.  Other related duties as assigned. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Telephone in residence  Current Pa. Driver’s license and automobile registration & insurance  Current CPR certification  Ability to work reliably and independently as assigned, adapting to changes in work assignments, schedules, and geographical locations.  Ability to accept and utilize supervision  Ability to exercise tact, initiative and good judgment in dealing with people

Demonstrates ability to identify and solve problems within parameters of his/her education and implement changes that improve the existing situation and seeks assistance from supervisor and professional staff for those problems that exist outside of their capability.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands : Heavy Work Occasionally lift and/or carry 100 lbs Frequently lift and/or carry 50 lbs Stand and/or walk at least 6 hours in an 8-hour work day

QUALIFICATIONS

(MINIMUM)  EDUCATION: 

High school diploma or GED. Must be able to read, write and speak the English language. 

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Has successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program that meets the standards established by the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as agency performance standards.  Certified Nurse Aide/Personal Care Aide/Home Health Aide experience preferred

WORK SCHEDULE: 

Day shift including weekend and holiday rotation (usually every third weekend) with possible varying hours based on the needs of the department   The Holiday schedule requires that two holidays per year are worked, one major holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s) along with either Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day.

Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address.  Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.  Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable.  It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.  Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!