Caregiver

Sevita•Amherstdale, WV

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. Support is provided according to individual service or program plans and includes assistance with socialization, health maintenance, medication administration, skill and behavioral development, personal care, household tasks, recreation, transportation, community integration, shopping, citizenship, and other activities of daily living. The role includes documenting services and progress, maintaining confidentiality, respecting individuals’ rights, reporting incidents and suspected abuse or neglect, and supporting healthy professional relationships with individuals, families, guardians, and case managers. Depending on assignment, the Caregiver may accompany individuals to appointments, administer or support self-administration of medication, monitor health, prepare meals according to menus and special diets, transport individuals, and maintain a safe and clean environment. Caregivers attend orientation and ongoing training, participate in monthly staff meetings, work scheduled hours, and may fill in for other shifts when required. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Work takes place at the program location and may include accompanying individuals into the community. The role is classified as non-exempt and hourly, and 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 qualifications list a high school diploma or equivalent as preferred.
Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing for the state of residence; New Jersey residents must hold a valid New Jersey license.
Must meet company insurance and driving-record requirements and receive management approval to drive on behalf of the company.
Must provide vehicle registration and insurance if transporting individuals.
Must complete state-required training and certifications within mandated timeframes and demonstrate proficiency in required training areas.
Working knowledge of computers.
Must submit to criminal background checks and be determined not disqualified by the Department of Human Services before working with individuals served.
Must agree to checks against the Central Registry of Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and complete an application for the 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 drug testing.
Must be able to perform heavy work: exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience in human services preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent preferred in the general qualifications section.

Responsibilities

Provide direct support in accordance with individual service or program plans.
Assist with socialization, behavioral development, personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation, community orientation, shopping, financial management, citizenship, and other activities of daily living.
Document individuals’ progress and activities accurately, review records and logs for service-plan changes, and maintain confidentiality.
Make appropriate, cost-effective purchases within individuals’ budgets and according to their choices and preferences.
Maintain professional relationships with individuals, friends, families, guardians, and case managers; greet visitors and follow customer service standards.
Report alleged abuse or neglect, as well as medical, behavioral, and other incidents, according to applicable policies and requirements.
Respect individuals’ rights, maintain confidentiality, practice universal precautions, and assist individuals in exercising their rights.
Accompany individuals to medical appointments as needed and relay information to and from medical providers when required.
Administer or support self-administration of medication when assigned, document medications and treatments, report errors promptly, and secure medications and supplies appropriately.
Monitor individuals’ health, document concerns, communicate with a nurse or supervisor, call 911 in an emergency, 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 menus, individual preferences, and special diets; monitor mealtimes and implement dining plans.
Attend orientation and ongoing training and participate in 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.
Fill in for other shifts when required, without causing unapproved overtime, or in an emergency.
Collaborate respectfully with coworkers and communicate openly.
Follow workplace safety policies and procedures, report hazards, and participate in safety training or activities.
Transport individuals when needed, drive safely and lawfully, use required safety equipment, and promptly report accidents and safety concerns.
Perform daily and seasonal housekeeping, maintain a neat, clean, and safe environment, and report hazards.
Monitor environmental safety, make minor repairs as needed, perform yard maintenance such as keeping walkways safe and removing snow, and report repairs needed.
Check water temperature when required during bathing assistance, participate in safety drills, and protect individuals in emergencies.
Perform other duties and activities as required.
Cooperate with licensee and Department of Human Services staff during inspections, inquiries, or investigations.
Complete required trainings and demonstrate proficiency; submit to applicable drug testing, criminal background checks, and registry checks.