Home Care Aide

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits / Perks

• Flexible Scheduling
• Competitive Compensation
• Careers Advancement

Job Summary

We are seeking a Home Care Aide (Direct Support Professional : DSP) to join our team! You will work directly with individuals, following a one-on-one care plan or in a group setting. You operate with a big heart, providing personalized and attentive care and building genuine relationships with those you serve. You are detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to creating a healthy environment that meets patient needs. Strong verbal and written communication skills are needed to succeed in this role. Prior Home Health or Hospice experience is a plus.

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides person-centered support and care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs work to empower each individual to live independently, achieve personal goals, and participate fully in their community. Services may be provided in various settings, including residential homes, day programs, or community-based locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement Individualized Service Plans (ISPs)

Develop and Execute Plans : Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to interpret each individuals ISP and translate objectives into actionable steps.

• Assessment and Ongoing Evaluation : Regularly review goals, conduct progress evaluations, and adapt support strategies based on evolving needs, preferences, and performance.
• Person-Centered Approach : Employ a holistic view that respects each individuals culture, family context, and personal aspirations, ensuring their voice is integral to decision-making.
• Safeguard Health & Well-Being

Medical Monitoring : Observe and record changes in health status, promptly communicate concerns to healthcare professionals, and follow up on prescribed treatments.

• Medication Administration : Administer medications in compliance with authorized procedures and maintain accurate documentation to confirm dosage, timing, and any side effects.
• Emergency Preparedness : Enforce safety measures, conduct regular checks of the physical environment, and maintain readiness for emergencies through drills and established protocols.
• Provide Daily Living Skill Support

Hands-On Assistance : Offer direct support with personal care tasks (e.g., bathing, dressing, toileting) while promoting dignity, privacy, and autonomy.

• Meal Planning & Preparation : Guide individuals in planning balanced meals, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up, encouraging them to participate actively based on their capabilities.
• Transportation & Mobility : Coordinate and provide safe transportation to appointments, recreational outings, and other necessary engagements; support mobility training where applicable.
• Encourage Community Integration

Social & Recreational Inclusion : Identify and facilitate participation in community events, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and recreational activities that reflect individual interests.

• Networking & Relationship Building : Support the development of friendships and community ties by promoting social skills, appropriate communication, and conflict resolution.
• Community Education : Advocate for inclusive practices in local businesses, community centers, and public spaces, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.
• Promote Skill Development & Goal Attainment

Identify and Reinforce Strengths : Use evidence-based teaching methods (e.g., task analysis, prompting, reinforcement) to enhance daily living, vocational, and social skills.

• Individual Goal-Setting : Collaborate with the individual, their family, and the care team to set realistic, measurable objectives that encourage personal growth and increased independence.
• Ongoing Feedback & Adjustments : Regularly review accomplishments, identify areas for further development, and modify techniques to better align with the individuals learning style and preferences.
• Maintain Thorough Documentation

Accurate Record-Keeping : Provide clear, concise, and detailed documentation of each individuals daily activities, progress toward goals, and any incidents or concerns.

• Compliance & Confidentiality : Ensure that all records meet DDS standards and guidelines, safeguarding sensitive information in alignment with HIPAA and other regulatory requirements.
• Timely Reporting : Submit logs, incident reports, and data within specified deadlines, supporting transparency and accountability within the care team.
• Advocate for Rights & Autonomy

Rights Education : Inform and educate individuals about their rights, including the right to make choices, speak up, and participate in decisions that affect them.

• Promote Self-Advocacy : Offer tools and encouragement to help individuals voice their opinions, request accommodations, and resolve conflicts with minimal external intervention.
• Legal & Ethical Adherence : Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and professional codes of ethics, ensuring each individuals dignity, privacy, and personal freedoms are upheld.
• Collaborate with Interdisciplinary Teams

Team Coordination : Work alongside case managers, therapists, nurses, psychologists, and other specialists to create a cohesive support network that addresses each aspect of an individuals well-being.

• Active Participation : Attend team meetings, share observations, recommend enhancements, and communicate individual progress and concerns, ensuring seamless, unified service delivery.
• Professional Development : Pursue ongoing training and certifications, staying informed of emerging best practices in disability services, behavioral support, and person-centered planning.
• Demonstrate Professional Integrity & Compliance

Ethical Conduct : Uphold ethical standards, treating individuals, families, and colleagues with respect, empathy, and honesty.

• Policy Adherence : Follow internal policies and DDS regulations, including codes of conduct, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
• Continuous Improvement : Actively seek feedback, engage in self-reflection, and adopt new strategies to enhance service quality, foster a positive workplace culture, and promote professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily activities such as moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles
• Care for patients by changing bed linens, doing laundry, cleaning the home, or assisting with personal care
• Maintain records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with the supervisor
• Build relationships with patients by conversing or reading aloud to help keep them mentally healthy and alert
• Give medications and immunizations
• Engage patients in exercises or other activities

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited Home Health Aide program (Optional )
• High School Diploma or GED
• One-year prior professional experience (Recommended, Optional)
• Drivers license required
• CPR certification required