Job Description

PRN (As Needed)

Varied day shifts as needed

General Summary

Provides the following services to assigned patients: personal care, assistance with procedures as an extension of therapy services and assistance with ambulation and exercise; performs household services related to maintaining a safe and healthful environment. Assists the patient and family to maintain an optimum level of independent functioning.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provides personal care, assistance with procedures as an extension of therapy services and assistance with ambulation and exercise according to a written plan of care developed by the primary nurse or therapist.
• Performs household services to maintain a safe and healthful environment for the patient as assigned.
• Assists in assessing patient/family needs and makes recommendations to the primary nurse or therapist.
• Encourages independence, self-help and use of assistive devices according to established plan of care.
• Provides a stabilizing influence within the home, thereby promoting the mental health of the patient and family.
• Carries out the written plan of care as established by the primary clinician. The primary clinician will provide supervisory visits in the home every two weeks.
• Promptly reports significant observations or changes in the patient's condition or family situation to the primary clinician or, in their absence, to the appropriate manager/coordinator.
• Maintains established schedule and reports any necessary changes immediately.
• Submits complete, accurate, neat and timely records according to established policy.
• Functions as a member of a interdisciplinary team caring for assigned patients. Encourages and maintains open communications. Seeks and accepts direction and supervision from the appropriate clinician, as needed.
• Functions in a cost-effective manner with regard to utilization of time, supplies, equipment, etc.
• Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation. Represents the organization in a professional manner and promotes a positive corporate image. Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience:

• Less than 1 year 3 - 6 months: will satisfactorily complete a competency evaluation program to include a written test and skills checklist Required or
• If no prior training or experience, will satisfactorily complete the home health aide course, pass a written test and demonstrate the ability to perform the functions of this position by passing a skills checklist. Required
• Experience in working with elderly patients. Preferred

Licenses:

• Certified Nurse Aide Upon Hire Required and
• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Driver's License Statement:

Must possess a valid driver's license in the current state of residence. Driving record must meet requirements established by WellSpan Risk Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Works flexibly and independently in the home without continuous supervisory support.
• Assesses and reports accurately, both verbally and in writing.
• Reads, writes and carries out directions.
• Has access to an automobile.

WellSpan Health’s vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region’s largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.