Hospice Aide - Hospice of Santa Cruz County

Job Summary

The Hospice Aide (HA) is a member of the interdisciplinary team responsible for assisting patients/families, hired caregivers and facility staff in the provision and teaching of patient personal care needs. The HA provides care under the direction of the RN Case Manager (RNCM).

Essential Responsibilities

Personal Care/Homemaking Services

• Provides safe, sensitive and supportive personal care as ordered by the physician and in accordance with the HA plan of care developed by the RN, safe HA practice and the policies and procedures of HSCC. Is attentive to the needs expressed by the patient and family
• Develops care activities in coordination with facility staff & hired caregivers as part of the care team and works together in a cooperative and respectful way
• Develops and maintains good relationships with facility staff.
• Insures that care is provided in a manner that provides satisfaction to the patient and family
• Respects the patient's right to make his/her own decisions.
• Uses safe body mechanics while performing care
• Plans care to maximize patient energy conservation
• Demonstrates active listening skills while providing care
• Observes and reports patient changes and safety concerns to the RNCM according to standards and procedures
• Teaches and supports patients and families regarding patient care, safety, and body mechanics
• Demonstrates understanding of reporting and charting protocols in SNFs & RCFEs.
• Provides homemaker services per POC
• Performs other related job duties as assigned by Supervisor

Compliance

• Ensures all HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and all other regulatory/compliance requirements are understood and followed
• Submits verification of current HHA certification
• Submits proof of auto insurance annually; keeps drivers license current and maintains a good driving record
• Ensures TB checks are completed in a timely manner; at least annually

Work Group Communication & Cooperation

• Works cooperatively with Manager and team members.
• Submits completed electronic documentation and schedule within the time frames per HSCC policy.
• Accepts assignments and changes of assignment positively.
• Notifies Manager of cancellations, schedule changes immediately.
• Brings questions/concerns regarding scheduling to Manager or HA Scheduler
• Demonstrates understanding of reporting structure.
• Follows reporting guidelines and voice mail format promptly and concisely.
• Brings questions/concern regarding individual patients to RNCM
• Brings questions/concerns regarding policy, practices, changes, etc to Manager.
• Visits are planned grouping patients by location and considering facility schedules and patient status.
• Documents all contacts and interventions provided per HSCC policies and procedures.
• Works cooperatively with RNCM in scheduling and completion of supervised visits.
• Attends All Agency and HA meetings regularly.
• Maintains open, organized and timely communication with hospice staff and volunteers.
• Participates in weekend and holiday coverage as needed.

Quality and Quality Improvement

• Meets all standards and requirements as indicated by licensing and accrediting agencies
• Completes and submits all documentation in accordance with policies and procedures

Requirements

Experience and Skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Comfort level with using a laptop computer as well as basic computer skills
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
• Ability to meet the unique care needs of various patients and families
• Prefer previous experience using sensitivity and compassion in serving patients and families facing a terminal illness, death and bereavement
• Clinical competence in the provision of safe, supportive personal care
• Fiscal understanding in the planning and delivery of services

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations and Requirements

• Active CNA Certificate
• Active HHA Certificate
• Pass OIG/GSA review and all required background checks
• Must have provided services for compensation within the last 24 consecutive months
• Successful completion of training as described in CoP's

Physical Demands

• Ability to provide patient care that involves assisting with lifting, repositioning, moving patients and includes bending, reaching and twisting.
• Ability to travel to patient locations; includes ability to drive, negotiate stairs and walkways including uneven surfaces at private homes or facilities.
• Vision ability to determine patient needs using visual inspection and observation
• Hearing ability within normal range to elicit and detect pertinent information while communicating with patients and health team
• Speech to verbally communicate to determine and impart information concerning patient status; to complete patient/family teaching and to interact with health care team
• Sensory ability to monitor, determine and address patient care needs

Work Environment

• Performs services in private homes and care facilities and will experience a variety of settings and situations.
• Office work is performed in typical office setting.