Personal Support Specialist (PSS)

Description

Aroostook Home Health Services is seeking Personal Support Specialists in ALL Aroostook County areas. This position is up to 40 hours per week depending on applicant and client availability. We are a non-profit, home based program offering a variety of home health care services for Aroostook County Residents since 1983.

Position Summary:

The primary responsibility of the Personal Support Specialist is to provide services which will assist the client to achieve greater independence in the home. Services are directed by the client / responsible family member.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Essential Functions:

1. Assist clients with "hands-on" care, including

• Bathing
• Shampoo
• Dressing
• Transferring
• Ambulating
• Routine bodily functions

2. Assist client with preparing to do own personal care, including

• Preparing bath water
• Setting out clothing
• Setting out grooming appliances as needed

3. Complete basic household chores

• Dusting and vacuuming
• Mopping (standing position only)
• Washing windows occasionally
• Clean stove and refrigerator as needed to assure safe and sanitary conditions
• General straightening of household furnishing and personal belongings
• Keeping house in a safe and sanitary condition
• Do laundry on a regular basis

4. Complete other tasks as deemed necessary to assist client in remaining at home

• Meal preparation and serving
• Wash dishes
• Run errands (mail, pick up prescriptions)
• Marketing (groceries or other shopping)
• Provide respite time for caregivers
• Other similar activities as designated in the Plan of Care

5. Maintain compliance with the AHHS safety policies and procedures

• Familiarize yourself with the safety policies and procedures
• Utilize safety equipment
• Follow universal precautions when providing client care
• Utilize the Electronic Visit Verification to log all client visits and completed tasks

6. Carry out AHHS policies and procedures in the following manner

• Complete required and appropriate records and reports
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Attend scheduled meetings to remain current on policies and protocols and upgrade skills

Other Responsibilities:

Will assume other responsibilities deemed necessary and in the best interest of the organization as requested by the Director of Nursing Services or Executive Director

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Schedule:

• Flexible scheduling
• Days, Afternoons, Evenings available
• Weekdays & Weekends available

Work Locations Needing Services: (Updated Weekly)

• Fort Kent
• Madawaska
• Van Buren
• Caribou
• Houlton

Requirements

Education, Skills and Experience Required:

Formal education beyond elementary level is not required, high school graduate preferred.

Experience working with chronically ill, disabled or elderly preferred.

Must be able to read, write and understand written and verbal instructions.

Must be able to demonstrate competency in skills needed to care for clients in their home

Must be able to work independently and to organize work efficiently.

Must be able to maintain client confidentiality.

Must be able to communicate and cooperate effectively.

Must have maturity to deal effectively with the job.

Enroll in a PSS course within 2 months of hire, and complete within 9 months of hire.