The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - DIAL 988

POSITION TITLE: ICLS Caregiver

HOURS: As scheduled.

REPORTS TO: Directors

 

JOB SUMMARY: 

The ICLS Caregiver provides bundled services that includes six categories: Active cognitive support; Adaptive support service; Activities of daily living (ADLs); Household management; Health, safety, and wellness; and Community engagement. 

 

Direct services to people served by ICLS. This person works directly under the supervision of the ICLS Specialist and the Directors. Regular contact with the supervisor is necessary. The ICLS Trainer will be part of a team composed of clients, service professionals, family members and others identified in the Service Plan/Individual Program Plan (IPP). The ICLS Trainer will provide services including supervision, training, assistance and support in identified areas of need outlined by the Service Plan/Individual Personal Plan (IPP). Working one-on-one and in group settings, the ICLS Trainer will increase the client’s independence to positively impact each client’s quality of life. CHC reserves the right to adjust employment hours and days of operation based upon requirements to fulfill contract obligations.

 

REVIEWED/REVISED: August, 2017

 

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:  

This position is an “at will” position and the employee and employer are free to sever the relationship at any time with or without cause. A minimum of 30 days notice of the intent to resign is requested for this position. 

 

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Preferably a High School Education or equivalent

• CNA Certification Preferred

• Background in Mental Health/Special Education Preferred

• Valid Minnesota driver's license in good standing

• Ability to safely operate any and all vehicles, business machines, and industrial equipment necessary for the successful operation of the program.

• Proof of vehicle liability insurance

• Ability to lift at a minimum of 25 pounds

• Maintain a current negative Health Card or chest x-ray (TB skin test).

• Successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours continuing education and training in topics relative to the position annually.

• Ability to observe and record programming and behavioral data.

• Ability to communicate clearly with staff and consumers verbally or utilizing other effective means.

• Knowledge of independent living skills

• Experience in areas of employment directly related to the performance of this job as included in the above "Job Duties and Responsibilities" is preferred.

• Graduate of a recognized nursing assistant program and in good standing with the Minnesota NA/registry; or successful completion of our agency’s orientation and training program for unlicensed personnel and has been determined competent to provide services and follow our agency’s procedures by our ICLS Specialist and/ or management coordinator.

• Age of 18 years or older.

• Adaptability and flexibility in dealing with changing situations and in ability to remain calm when dealing with clients and their families, with a positive and pleasant manner and kind tone of voice. 

• Ability to demonstrate good judgment and observation skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate with peers and supervisors and clients.

• Ability to deal tactfully and compassionately with clients, their family members, other staff and to exhibit good customer service skills at all times.

• Ability to read, write, comprehend and follow verbal and written instructions, including medical terminology. 

• Ability to work independently and to use good problem solving skills.

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, with or without accommodation.

• Ability to work flexible times, including weekends, evenings, and holidays. 

• Experience in working with older adults. Previous experience in a hospital, nursing home or home care agency preferred. 

• Experience in working with people with disabilities and people with mental health challenges.

• Must be dependable and punctual, with a good attendance record.

• Must follow building dress code, maintain good personal hygiene and grooming.

• Must be able to prioritize and organize work effectively and efficiently.

• Must work as a team member with other personnel, the LPN and RN.

• Primary responsibilities will be conducted in client homes.

• Exposure to body fluids, infection, odors and behavior of clients that may be aggressive, combative or demanding.

• The noise is usually moderate.

• Exposure to chemical and respiratory hazards is possible.

• Travel to clients’ homes is required. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must receive a “not disqualified” criminal background result from Department of Human Services and may not be on the OIG exclusions list.

• Must be screened for TB.

• High school diploma or GED preferred

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Active cognitive support

The “active cognitive support” category includes interventions intended to address cognitive issues and challenges important to the person. Active cognitive supports are the only ICLS services that the person can receive both in-person and remotely. 

 

Examples of ICLS services covered under this category include:

• Problem solving the person’s concerns related to daily living

• Providing assurance to the person

• Observing and redirecting to address behavioral, orientation or other cognitive concerns.

 

Adaptive support service

The “adaptive support service” category includes services intended to help the person adopt ways to meet his or her needs. ICLS adaptive support services:

• Encourage the person’s self-sufficiency

• Reduce the person’s reliance on human assistance.

 

Examples of ICLS services covered under this category include:

• Verbal, visual and/or touch guidance to help a person complete a task

• Developing and demonstrating cuing or reminder tools (e.g., calendars, lists)

• Providing verbal, visual and/or touch guidance to help the person complete a task

• Helping the person understand written assistive technology directions or instructions from the manufacturer or health professional so the person can maintain independence.

Activities of daily living (ADLs)

The “ADLs” category includes services intended to assist the person with ADLs.

 

Household management

The “household management” category includes services intended to help the person manage his or her home. Examples of ICLS services covered under this category include:

• Assisting with cleaning, meal planning/preparation, and shopping for household/personal needs

• Assisting with budgets and money management

• Assisting with communications (e.g., sorting mail, accessing email, placing phone calls, making appointments)

• Providing transportation when transportation is integral to ICLS household management goals and community resources and/or informal supports are not available. 

 

 

Health, safety and wellness

The “health, safety and wellness” category includes services intended to help the person maintain his or her overall well-being. Examples of ICLS services covered under this category include:

• Identifying changes in health needs, and notifying the case manager and/or informal caregivers as needed

• Coordinating or implementing changes to mitigate environmental risks in the home

• Providing reminders about and assistance with exercises and other health maintenance/improvement activities

• Providing medication assistance (e.g., medication refills, reminders,and/or preparation)

• Monitoring the person’s health according to written instructions from a licensed health professional

• Using medical equipment devices or adaptive technology according to written instructions from a licensed health professional.

 

Community engagement

The “community engagement” category includes services intended to help the person have meaningful integration and participation in his or her community. Examples of ICLS services covered under this category include:

• Facilitating the person in socially valued roles through engagement in relevant activities that lead to desired outcomes

• Helping the person access activities, services and resources that facilitate meaningful community integration and participation

• Helping the person develop and/or maintain his or her informal support system

• Providing transportation when it is integral to ICLS community engagement goals and community resources and/or informal supports are not available.

 

Direct Cares

• Assist the client with personal cares as identified in the client care plan. These cares may include all or some of the following: assisting with dressing, grooming and oral cares; shampooing of hair; assisting with showering or bathing; rubbing with lotions; fingernail cares and foot cares if instructed to do so by an RN; redirection of a confused client, and other cares as assigned.

• Assisting the client in the use of the commode, urinal, toilet and with adult incontinence products as assigned.

• Assisting with ambulation and transfers, including proper use of a transfer belt and assistive devices and proper body mechanics to avoid injury.  

• Assist in use of hearing aids and glasses for clients.

• Medication reminders, assistance or administration as delegated by RN.

• Prepare meals as directed, following special meal plans if instructed.

• Take and record temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration as instructed.  Report changes or concerns to RN.

• Notify RN of any complaints or concerns raised by the client or the client’s family or representative. 

• Help each client to reach and maintain his/her highest level of performance and independence. Must promote client's independence, not dependence, by offering choices and fostering self-help skills. 

• Establish rapport with clients, lead client in activities as assigned and provide socialization and companionship to clients while performing assigned tasks.

• Assist with treatments as delegated the Register Nurse according to the client’s individualized care plan or with therapy tasks as assigned by a licensed health professional.

• Observe client and report to the LPN or RN changes in the client’s physical and emotional condition, such as change in attitude, appearance, loss of appetite, weight, etc.

• Assist co-workers with daily responsibilities when needed.

• Organize and prioritize assigned work during scheduled shift to complete assigned tasks. 

• Is responsible for taking adequate supplies or equipment to the clients’ home that are needed to complete the assigned tasks.  

• Document services provided accurately and consistent with agency policies and complete all required paperwork in a timely and legible manner. 

•  Attend required in-service training—at least 8 hours for every 12 months of employment as well as staff meetings and other agency events.

• Follow agency procedures for universal precautions when performing assigned tasks. 

• Maintain a clean environment for clients. Dust, vacuum, mop and other household chores as scheduled and assigned

• Use validation techniques and/or appropriate diversion activities when dealing with clients with dementia. 

• Follow agency dress code and wear name tag while at work and maintain good personal hygiene and grooming.

• Follow agency policies regarding safety rules and requirements and report any issues or concerns about your safety or any injuries immediately to the LPN or RN.

 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will also perform other reasonable related job duties as assigned.

 

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

 

Compassionate Home Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, origin, marital status, or veteran status.

 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  The employee will perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by the supervisor or other management.

Management reserves the right to change job responsibilities, duties and hours as the need prevails.  This document is for management communication only and is not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment.