The Full Time, Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), in our Hospice Homecare program works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and participates as a support member of the interdisciplinary team by assisting in the provision of a variety of personal hygiene services to terminally ill patients via visits which will primarily take place in the patient's home, in a skilled facility or hospital where the patient receives care.   Homecare teams are designed by region.   Employee is expected to learn and utilize a computer system for patient charting and intra-departmental communication.   Proficiency and appropriate utilization is a requirement of the job role.

Shifts/Location: The CHHA, Hospice, Homecare will work 8 hour, day shifts serving patients assigned by the Homecare Branch   based on census needs.

Availability requirements: Must be available to work full time, 5 days per week (Monday – Friday; 8 AM – 5 PM.

Job Duties:

·          Provides and teaches personal hygiene and light housekeeping directly related to patient care.

·          Complies with interdisciplinary team Plan of Care and performs CHHA assignments in the Plan of Care.

·          Provides a safe, clean, and healthy environment for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to include use of Durable Medical Equipment, as needed.

·          Audits and orders personal care supplies as needed with assistance of CSR.

·          If assisting with meals, or tube feedings, uses the standard precautions of infection control and follows the instruction in the Plan Of Care.

·          Maintains frequency of visits as ordered in the plan of care and maintains records, submitted in a timely manner, to show compliance with all laws applicable.   CHHA-Crisis Care performs duties within the scope of a Crisis Care model.

·          Understands physical, emotional, and developmental needs of and ways to work with the population served.  

·          Understands adequate nutrition and fluid intake.

·          Understands and performs appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming.

·          Understands and performs safe transfer techniques and ambulation.   Understands normal range of motion (ROM) and positioning.

·          Participates in the Patient Care Conference (PCC) in SNFs.

·          Reports medical/ psychosocial/ spiritual problems to appropriate interdisciplinary team members.   Recognizes and responds appropriately to emergencies and urgent issues, showing good judgment.

·          Maintains communication and documentation per procedures.

·          Observes, reports and documents patient status and care/services furnished.

·          Reads and records temperature, pulse, and respirations.

·          Recognizes basic elements of body functioning and changes in body function, which must be reported to supervisor.

·          Refers all patient problems, concerns & questions to appropriate interdisciplinary team members.

·          Functions independently under the supervision of the RN, Primary, Homecare, yet demonstrates good judgment in seeking guidance and utilizing resources within the agency.

·          Maintains records to show compliance with all laws applicable to maintaining their re-certification.

·          Responsible for attending team meetings, IDGs, Care Coordination Meetings.

·          Respects patient privacy by maintaining confidentiality in all phases of work.

·          Supports Center for Palliative Studies in product/service innovations, research, and clinical education rotations for students.

·          Performs other related duties, tasks or responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Education:   Requires successful completion of the California State Home Health Aide Certification Program that meets the requirements of § 484.36 (a) and a competency evaluation or licensing program that meets the requirements of § 484.36 (b) or (e).   An individual is not considered to have completed a training and competency program, or a competency evaluation program if, since the individual's most recent completion of this program(s), there has been a continuous period of 24 consecutive months during none of which the individual furnished services described in § 409.40 for compensation.   In addition to the aforementioned requirements, CHHA incumbents must have Certified Nurse Assistant card (CNA certificate).    Must possess a valid CPR certification.   Bilingual abilities preferred.

Experience:   Requires understanding of medical terminology.   Must possess personal qualities consistent with understanding of curative and palliative care and End of Life issues and be able to deal with the demands of this job role.   Possesses good judgment, communication skills and critical thinking skills. Possess basic knowledge or aptitude to operate a computer, knowledge of basic software programs is preferred.   Current California Driver's license and automobile insurance required.

Additional Skills required to be successful:

·          Strong clinician skills

·          Positive attitude

·          Solution driven, creative and resourceful problem solving skills

·          Possess intermediate knowledge or aptitude to operate a computer, knowledge of basic software programs is preferred.  

·          Should be able to prioritize comfortably.  

·          Must be a strong patient and family advocate.

·          Must be thorough and detail oriented

·          Use ethical principles in decision making and practice

·          Comfortable in maintaining professional boundaries

Additional Info : There is an in-depth orientation, including classroom and on the job training.   SDHIPM is proud to promote a team environment based on trust, and a real focus on patient care.   This is a great opportunity to make a REAL difference in someone's life, and their loved ones.   Please apply to find out more!