Companion/Sitter

Job Title: Companion/Sitter

Reports To: Agency Nurse

General Description of Job: Provides individualized one-on-one non-medical care services to clients in their homes so that they may continue to live in their homes and in the community. Care services may include light house cleaning, providing meals, sitter care, escorting to appointments and activities, etc. Performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following: services will meet the client and family expectations for quality and responsiveness; health and safety of each individual served will be protected; and compliance with iCHERISH, policies and procedures and full compliance with all licensing standards will be maintained at all times. The companion/sitter assists agency RN and LPN and performs related duties as assigned.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities – Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients and clients’ families.
  • Provides stand-by assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing and general hygiene.
  • Provides assistance with meal preparation or meal preparation in accordance with the client’s need and care plan.
  • Escorts clients to appointments and activities.
  • Provides incidental transportation.
  • Observes and reports changes in client’s conditions.
  • Follows supervisor’s instructions carefully and consistently.
  • Picks up prescription drugs; shops for client’s grocery
  • Documents companion/sitter care activities during work shift according to iCHERISH, policies.
  • Medication reminders
  • Understands, complies with and promotes all rules and regulations regarding client’s rights.
  • Light housekeeping tasks
  • Provides companion to client and safety monitoring for wandering and falls.
  • Provides accurate documentation of client’s liquid intake and toileting.
  • Complies with, supports and enforces iCHERISH, policies involving all safety and infection control procedures.
  • Promotes positive relationships with clients, designated representatives, family members, visitors and co-workers.
  • Organizes time and resources based on the individual needs of clients.
  • Manages any unanticipated events or unstable situations.
  • Ensures that care is provided according to all relevant policies, procedures and regulations.
  • Monitors supplies and resources.
  • Makes recommendations for changes and improvements to program, as required.
  • Discusses any concerns with supervisor.
  • Reports observed, reported or suspected abuse/neglect pursuant to mandated requirements.
  • Documents services delivered on a daily basis as specified by iCHERISH, policies and procedures.
  • Maintains a current, accurate, confidential client reporting system.
  • Submits required documentation in a timely manner.
  • Consults with family members and other supports to ensure that care is on-going and that all client needs are identified and met.
  • Encourages clients and families to be involved in care, if appropriate.
  • Encourages clients and families to take responsibility for care, if appropriate.
  • Liaises with all family, medical and other resources, as required.
  • Advocates on behalf of clients for additional services and resources, as required.
  • Establishes and maintains current, accurate, confidential files for each client.
  • Educates clients, families and support systems about iCHERISH, program, as needed.
  • Maintains and submits accurate time records/ADL logs.
  • Observes iCHERISH, attendance requirements and dress code.
  • Conserves iCHERISH, resources and adequately maintains agency property, supplies and equipment.
  • Performs other related duties as directed by supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge Of:

  • Client Assessment
  • Proper home care techniques including house cleaning, feeding and personal hygiene
  • Appropriate home care interventions
  • Services and resources in the community
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • All relevant legislation, policies and practices
  • Principles and practices of work safety

Ability to:

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients and clients’ families.
  • Serve clients and show initiative and judgment in recognizing symptoms and reactions and reporting them in a timely manner.
  • Encourage and motivate clients to participate in recreational and activities of daily living.
  • Exhibit effective verbal and listening skills as well effective writing skills.
  • Demonstrate effective skills in the following areas: team work, problem solving, decision making, stress management, time management, strong interpersonal capability, conflict resolution, and decision making in dealing with safety and other medical issues.
  • Display sound work ethics; be consistent and fair; be compassionate and understanding; be flexible, adaptable and able to work effectively in a variety of settings; work independently with little supervision
  • Maintain the confidentiality of client care.
  • Conduct oneself with tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Deal effectively with crisis situations.
  • Do extensive bending, lifting and standing on a regular basis.
  • To read, write, and follow instructions and completion of training or pass competency assessment

Experience and Training:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Previous experience in home care is preferred.

Training:

Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test is required.

License and Certificate:

May need to possess a valid driver’s license and proof of adequate vehicle insurance may also be required. Successful completion of credentialing training in the following areas (at a minimum): understanding the needs and characteristics of elderly, handicapped, or convalescing individuals; meal preparation and serving; transportation and escort services; housekeeping to include sanitation; home safety; handling medical emergencies in the home; and infection control. First Aid and CPR certifications and client’s rights certification are mandatory. In-service trainings and annual training updates are also required.

Medical Clearances:

Proof of medical and TB/immunization clearances are mandatory. Annual updates are also required.

I have received a copy of this Job Description document. I understand that the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Companion/Sitter. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position. I also understand that I am to perform the above delineated duties in my position as the Companion/Sitter. I accept responsibility for contacting my supervisor if I have questions or concerns or need further explanation.