Caregiver

Sevita•Columbia, SC

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Caregiver provides direct support to individuals in a program or unit, typically serving 4–6 people in residential settings or up to 10 people in periodic programs. The role supports individuals according to their service and program plans, helping with socialization, health maintenance, medication administration when assigned, skill and behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreation, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living. The Caregiver documents activities and progress, follows individual rights and confidentiality requirements, communicates with families and care teams, and reports suspected abuse, neglect, medical concerns, behavioral incidents, and other incidents. The role may include accompanying individuals to appointments, preparing meals according to menus, preferences, and special diets, and using medical equipment as directed. The position works at the program location and may involve accompanying individuals into the community. Caregivers attend orientation, ongoing training, and monthly staff meetings; work scheduled hours; and contribute to a safe, clean environment. The role may include transporting individuals, housekeeping, minor repairs, yard maintenance, and snow removal. It is a non-exempt, hourly position that may be full-time or part-time.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
At minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required under the New Jersey addendum; the general posting describes this as preferred.
Working knowledge of computers.
Valid driver’s license in good standing; New Jersey residents must hold a valid New Jersey license, while commuters may hold a valid license from their state of residence.
If providing transportation, have vehicle registration and insurance; drivers must meet insurance requirements and be approved by management.
Complete all state-required training and certifications within mandated timeframes and maintain required qualifications.
Submit to criminal background checks and be determined not disqualified by the Department of Human Services before working with individuals served.
Agree to a check against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and complete an application for a Child Abuse Registry Information (CARI) check.
Employees hired after June 15, 2018, must submit to drug testing before employment; employees are also subject to random and for-cause/suspicion testing.
Meet the company’s motor vehicle record requirements to drive on behalf of the company.
Ability to perform heavy work, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent (listed as preferred in the general qualifications).
Six months of experience in human services.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support in accordance with individual service or program plans.
Support socialization, behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
Document individual progress and activities accurately, review service records and logs, and maintain confidentiality.
Make cost-effective and appropriate purchases within the individual’s budget and according to their choices and preferences.
Maintain professional relationships with individuals, families, friends, guardians, and case managers; greet visitors and follow customer service standards.
Report alleged abuse or neglect and report medical, behavioral, and other incidents according to applicable requirements.
Respect individuals’ rights, practice universal precautions, and assist individuals in exercising their rights.
As needed, accompany individuals to medical appointments and relay information to and from medical providers.
When assigned, administer or support self-administration of medications, document medications and treatments, promptly report errors, and secure medications and supplies appropriately.
Monitor individuals’ health, document concerns, communicate with a nurse or supervisor, call 911 in emergencies, and follow health care directives.
Use medical equipment according to procedures and report malfunction or disrepair.
Prepare or support individuals in preparing meals according to planned menus, individual preferences, special diets, and dining plans.
Attend orientation, ongoing training, and monthly staff meetings.
Work scheduled hours, arrive on time, remain on shift until a replacement arrives, and notify a supervisor when unable to work as scheduled; may cover other shifts as required without unapproved overtime or in emergencies.
Work respectfully and collaboratively with coworkers and communicate openly.
Follow workplace safety policies and report hazards; participate in safety training and activities.
When transporting individuals, drive safely and lawfully, use safety equipment such as seat belts, lifts, and wheelchair ties, and promptly report accidents and safety concerns.
Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping and maintain a neat, clean, and safe environment.
Monitor environmental safety; make minor repairs as needed; perform yard maintenance, keep walkways safe, and remove snow as needed; report repair needs.
Check water temperature as required when assisting with bathing, participate in safety drills, and protect individuals during emergencies.
Perform other duties and activities as required.
Cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff during inspections, inquiries, or investigations.
Complete required trainings and demonstrate proficiency in required areas.
Submit to required pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug testing; complete required criminal background and registry checks.