Home Health Aide

Avalon Housing•Ann Arbor, MI

26d

About The Position

Avalon Housing is a nonprofit supportive housing provider whose mission is to build healthy, safe, and inclusive communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. The Home Health Aide provides hands-on, individual in-home support to tenants experiencing challenges that may include multi-morbid conditions, mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic medical conditions, and a history of chronic homelessness. The role supports tenants’ well-being and housing stability through apartment and laundry assistance, meal preparation, skills coaching, and well-being assessments. Work takes place in tenants’ homes, community centers, and the broader community, in coordination with case management, clinical, property management, maintenance, and other staff and visiting providers. The position is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It reports to the Miller Manor Team Leader and pays $20.00 per hour.

Requirements

At least one year of experience in human services, preferably working with similar populations, including people experiencing homelessness and people with mental illness, chronic health conditions, or addiction disorders.
Ability to work effectively and non-judgmentally with diverse populations.
Capacity to respond to crisis situations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to recognize appropriate boundaries with clients.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Positive, enthusiastic attitude and strong commitment to helping people in need.
Ability and interest in working with individuals who are difficult to engage in traditional programs, with a philosophy of tolerance and ability to engage people at their current stage of change.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds.
Ability to work well with multicultural communities.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Ability to stand for long periods, lift and carry up to 25 pounds, reach overhead, use common cleaning tools, transport tenants in vehicles, communicate by talking and hearing, and operate computer hardware.

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of homelessness and characteristics of the homeless adult population.
Experience with mental illness and chemical dependency.

Responsibilities

Provide individual in-home assistance to tenants to support stable housing.
Clean and organize tenants’ apartments according to treatment plans or inspection results, including sweeping, vacuuming, washing floors and dishes, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, changing bed linen, taking out garbage, dusting, and tidying.
Assist tenants with laundry, including sorting, operating machines, drying, folding, and storing clothing and linens.
Assist with meal planning, preparation, serving, and cleanup.
Shop with tenants or independently for food, hygiene products, and homecare products.
Teach tenants cleaning techniques and encourage their participation in cleaning routines to develop skills and habits.
Recognize and respond to potential crises and emergencies, including medical issues and aggressive behavior, and inform the supervisor when incidents arise.
Assist the case management team in identifying potential problems and provide input on client program plans.
Coordinate with clinical, property management, maintenance, onsite, and visiting provider staff; refer tenants to appropriate staff as needed.
Monitor tenants’ well-being and share observations with the team.
Help tenants attend appointments when necessary and provide transportation.
Provide emotional support and feedback to clients and, where relevant, their families and friends.
Maintain complete and accurate written reports about clients’ activities and progress.
Participate in group planning and help develop individual activity plans focused on each client’s needs.
Provide lay counseling support and life skills training.
Operate office equipment, including computers, photocopiers, fax machines, and printers.
Maintain knowledge of fire safety and other emergency procedures and help ensure health and safety standards are maintained.
Work with clients in their homes, community centers, and the wider community.
Assist tenants with conflict resolution involving tenants and neighbors.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, retreats, and professional training sessions.
Facilitate group transportation as needed.
Cover appointments, transportation needs, and Residential Support Specialist shifts as needed.
Perform other related duties as required.