HHA

Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide (CHHA)

To provide personal care services and to help clients maintain their independence and to assist them with the activities of daily living and household and family support services.

The Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide (CHHA) works under the direct supervision of the Director of Nursing and/or Nursing Supervisor. The CHHA reports administratively to the Administrative Assistant/Human Resources Manager.

Completion of a 76 hour certified homemaker-home health aide training program approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. A nursing student may work as a homemaker-home health aide with a written New Jersey Board of Nursing waiver in place of a certificate.

A current, valid homemaker-home health aide certificate in good standing issued by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Ability to pass a written/oral competency examination with a minimum score of 70%. Ability to demonstrate proficiency and clinical competencies related to the skills required of a certified homemaker-home health aide. Ability to read, write, and carry out verbal and written instructions in English, follow the plan of care as well as the delegation/direction of the Director of Nursing and/or Nursing Supervisor. Must have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with the elderly, disabled and sick and work effectively with the demands of the job; be flexible with work hours and location. Must be able to pass a NJ Board of Nursing criminal background check(s), driving record abstract (if applicable), social security verification, identity verification, and produce legal authorization to work in the U.S.

This position routinely requires work in a variety of home settings and travel to and from clients' homes, either by public transportation or car. The CHHA must be able to meet the physical demands of field work in client's homes and meet the health requirements in accordance with Agency policy for employees providing in-home client care. Must have ability to adapt to various environments and locations. Must be able to meet the physical care needs and demands of the position including but not limited to: ability to lift, push or pull 50 pounds, standing, bending, twisting, stair climbing, lifting items, transferring clients, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, stretching, standing, stooping, walking up and down stairs, seeing, hearing, speaking, writing, carrying, and weight bearing activities. Involves exposure to blood and body fluids or tissue. Involves exposure to household dust, mold, mildew, dirt, and household cleaning solutions. Requires ability to work household appliances.

Performs personal care and activities of daily living in accordance with an established plan of care as assigned by the Director of Nursing and/or Nursing Supervisor which includes but is not limited to: temperature, pulse, respirations; positioning for circulatory/respiratory comfort; bath: bed, sponge, tub or shower; shampoo (sink, tub or bed); nail and skin care; oral hygiene; personal hygiene related to toileting and elimination; safe transfer techniques and ambulation, assistive devices; normal range of motion and positioning, exercises, activities; handwashing.

Ability to demonstrate proficiency in the following skills: communication skills; observation, reporting and documentation of client status, and the care or service furnished; basic infection control procedures; basic elements of body functioning and changes in body function that must be reported to the nursing supervisor; maintenance of a clean, safe and healthy environment; recognizing emergencies and knowledge of emergency procedures; physical, emotional and developmental needs of and ways to work with the populations served by the agency, including respect for the client and the client's privacy and property; adequate nutrition and fluid intake; feeding; applying antiembolic stockings, assisting the client to use oxygen, and positioning the client for circulatory and respiratory comfort; care needs of a client with cognitive impairment, care of a client with a seizure disorder, care of a client following a stroke and rehabilitation or restorative care; foot care, skin care and nutrition for a client with diabetes; promotion of sleep; any other task the agency may choose.

Perform homemaking tasks in accordance with the plan of care, including meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, laundry, errands, changing of bed linens, vacuuming, sweeping and mopping of floors, dusting of client's environment, emptying client's wastebaskets and garbage, cleaning of refrigerator, cleaning of the bathroom (bathtub, sink, and toilet), cleaning of kitchen (washing dishes, counter tops and the floor.)

Accompany the client to doctor's appointments, only with approval from the Director of Nursing and/or Nursing Supervisor, upon family member request.

Follows the policies of Senior Helpers, including, but not limited to, attendance, punctuality, adherence to dress code and maintaining a professional appearance, wearing of proper identification, accepting of assignments, completion of time sheets and weekly aide activity sheets (accurately reflecting the activities and care performed), meeting health and in-service requirements.

Reports changes in the client's status to the Director of Nursing and/or Nursing Supervisor.

Responds to an emergency by calling 911 and Senior Helpers.

Adhere to infection control and safety procedures that are in accordance with agency policy.

Maintains confidentiality of client information and records, in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Emotional support, companionship, socialization and motivation through conversation, encouragement and recreational activities.

Arrive to work on time.

Clock into the telephony system.

Respond to emails from Senior Helpers staff.

Maintain human resource (HR) compliance documentation.

Complete orientation, including GEMS Training Module 1, Infection Control.

Adhere to the policies and procedures of Senior Helpers.

Any additional tasks, activities or duties as assigned by the Senior Helpers staff.