Direct Care Worker

The Direct Care Worker (DCW) provides personal care and/or related services in the home. She/he functions under the direction, instruction and supervision of the Clinical Director and/or appropriate supervisor. The DCW receives scheduling direction from the Client Services Coordinator and/or supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

Tasks to be performed by a DCW must be assigned by and performed under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and/or appropriate supervisor, who will be responsible for the client care provided by the DCW. Under no circumstances may a DCW be assigned any responsibilities related to any intravenous procedures; procedures involving the administration of oral, sublingual, subcutaneous, transdermal, rectal or topical medications;

or any other sterile or invasive procedures. Except as otherwise noted, duties of the DCW may include:

• Helps the client to maintain good personal hygiene including bathing, shaving, grooming and dressing
• Assists in maintaining a healthy, safe environment
• Plans and prepares and may feed the client nutritious meals. Completes errands when instructed to do so by the company supervisor
• Assists the client with transfers and ambulation with or without an assistive device
• Provides medication reminders
• Encourages the client to become as independent as possible according to the nursing care plan
• Attempts to promote client’s mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest
• Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the client and other members of the household
• Establishes a relationship with client and family which transmits trust and confidence
• Maintains client/family confidentiality at all times
• Prepares a visit report on the day it is performed and incorporates the report in the clinical record weekly or as directed
• Reports any change in client’s mental or physical condition
• Reports any changes in home situation to the company
• Carries out assignment(s) as instructed by their supervisor and reports any pertinent changes to care
• Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the client, as instructed by the supervisor
• Participates in in-service education as required by company policy and state/federal regulations
• Confirms on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Director, to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel
• Notifies the Company of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, bereavement or special professional meetings which will affect service(s) with the Company

Requirements

• Completion of high school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Possess basic math, reading, and writing skills
• Ability to speak, comprehend, read and write English consistent with job requirements
• Completion of a basic aide training program and/or Direct Care Worker test consistent with state/federal requirements
• Satisfactory performance on a training competency evaluation and or exam and ongoing annual re-evaluation
• Completion of one year’s employment as a personal care aide, nurse’s aide or in another healthcare related field preferred
• Has the emotional and mental maturity necessary for establishing and maintaining a good relationship with client, client’s family, and the personnel of the company.
• Must have available, reliable transportation to and from assignments
• Completion of all applicable health screening(s)
• A minimum of two satisfactory references and background screenings are obtained prior to hire

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to read 12 point or larger type
• Must be able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people
• Must be able to stoop and bend
• Must be able to travel to prospective clients’ residences
• Must be able to safely lift, turn and…