Home Support Worker/CNA – POSITION SUMMARY
The Home Support Worker/CNA works directly under the supervision of the Team Lead and Residential Coordinator providing support and supervision to one or more disabled individuals both in their home and in the community.  Home Support Workers play a key role in promoting the medical stability, independence and vocational skills of members and facilitating full participation in community life.

DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide supervision and guidance to the member during the hours at which he or she is at home as well as when in the community, which may include shopping medical appointments, social events and other activities of daily living.  Physical assistance, supervision and training in self-care skills whenever necessary. (i.e. bathing, dressing, transfers).

• Assist member with medical procedures/care as delegated by the supervising R.N. or Personal Care Provider.
• Monitor health concerns and report any problems to supervisor.
• Monitor and administer, if needed, medications.
• Meal preparation, menu planning, shopping, laundry and other household chores, encouraging participation of the member as appropriate and providing physical assistance if needed.
• Assist member with interpersonal relationships both within the home and in the community through skills training and role modeling of appropriate social behavior and encouraging friendship and acquaintance building.
• Provide assistance with transportation.
• Facilitate community activities such as shopping, banking, recreation, medical appointments, participation in church or club activities
• Communicate regularly with Team Leader regarding individuals served.  Participate in team meetings.
• Complete required documentation and maintain written records.
• Help members to organize and plan leisure time.
• Additional duties as assigned and directed by Supervising RN, Executive Director or Program Manager.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Must have the ability to work effectively with a wide array of members and be highly sensitive to their needs and preferences.
• Must be proficient in effectively communicating both orally and in writing.
• Possess the abilities to prioritize sometimes conflicting demands and problem solve quickly.
• Manage financial planning and recordkeeping accurately.
• Perform individual personal care routines that may include lifting, pulling and pushing.

Desirable Training and Experience:

• Must have high school diploma or GED to be considered for the position.
• Prefer CNA accreditation or documented experience performing medical procedures.
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.
• Must be able to communicate and function effectively as a team member.
• Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver License with a clean record and full coverage insurance.

Work Setting and Environment:

Work is performed primarily indoors which may or may not have air conditioning. You may be exposed to dust, odors, poor ventilation, wet and/or humid conditions, chemicals and cleaning solutions. May occasionally be exposed to loud or unpleasant voices and may need to handle emotional and/or behavioral disturbances.

There is a potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious agents. Universal Precautions are to be followed at all times.  Training is held on Hepatitis B, HIV and Infection Control upon orientation and at least yearly thereafter.  Hepatitis B vaccines are available to all employees upon hire at no cost.

Equipment Used:

Automobile, wheelchair van, mechanical lifting devices, wheelchairs, shower chairs, telephone, calculator, food processor/blender, oven/stove, microwave, clothing washer/dryer.

Strength: May be required to transfer, lift, or position members up to 150 lbs. in some cases; push/pull residents weighing 75-300 pounds in wheelchairs and recliners.

Manual Dexterity: Must be able to continuously perform simple manipulative tasks with equipment listed above and occasionally perform difficult manipulative tasks, as well as use safety pins, buttons, snaps, buckles, and tie strings.

Coordination: Ability to safely assist an individual with all ADLs, transfers, and ambulation, requiring good hand/eye coordination and steadiness; and the ability to move about in tight spaces, between objects, equipment, and furniture.

Mobility: Must be able to continuously stand and walk up to 75 percent of a 12-hour day to provide individual care. Must be able to frequently squat, bend, reach over the shoulder, kneel, twist, sit, stand, and remain in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods of time.

Speech: Must be able to speak and write English clearly.

Hearing: Must be able to hear and distinguish normal sounds with background noises ranging from normal conversations to high-pitched sounding alarms. Must be able to give and receive verbal instructions, hear audible emergency signals and alarms and be able to answer the phone.

Vision: Must have far-sighted visual acuity, with correction, for identification of members, unusual occurrences, changes in condition (breathing, color, skin breakdown…). Near-sighted and visual acuity required to read typed and written materials, thermometers, and distinguish colors.

Emotional Stability: Must be able to continuously deal effectively with stress created by sick and sometimes behaviorally challenged members, multiple tasks, noises, and interruptions; and work cooperatively as part of the team while maintaining a patient, cheerful, enthusiastic and pleasant demeanor.

Smell: May be exposed to unpleasant smells and must be able to detect the smell of smoke, spoiled food and soiled linens.

Concentration: Must have the ability to concentrate on moderate or fine details with frequent interruptions necessary to perform a variety of tasks related to ADL care.

Attention Span: Must be able to attend to a function from 20 to 90 minutes to perform minimal to-fine-detailed tasks related to ADL care.

Conceptualization: Must be able to understand and relate to specific ideas and concepts. Must be able to understand and relate to theories behind assisted living, wellness and rights.

Memory: Must be able to remember multiple tasks and assignments over a period of twelve hours.

Each employee is expected to respond to emergency situations involving the safety of members, other employees and the home. This includes the ability to assist with a possible emergency medical treatment and evacuation of the home.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, but to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. The employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by the Residential Coordinator, Program Director, RN and Executive Director. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate members with a disability.