Reporting to the Agency Director or designee, the Direct Care Worker provides personal care and related non-medical home care services to clients in their home of choice. The care provided is under the direction, instruction, and supervision of the Supervisor or designee. Under no circumstances may the Direct Care Worker provide any care or services not directed by the Agency, using the plan of services.

1. Follows the service plan to provide safe and competent care/service to the client (consumer).
2. Follow agency policies and procedures as they relate to the position. This pertains to any contracted employees (if the Agency chooses to hire contract employees).
3. Assists the client/consumer to maintain good personal hygiene and assists in maintaining a safe and healthy home environment.
4. Plans and prepares nutritious meals (in coordination with the client/family and director).
5. Assists client with shopping or completes shopping as required for the client per the plan.
6. Assists the client/consumer with ambulation as approved.
7. Provides medication reminders, which is a verbal prompt to the consumer to take their medication. This does not include the administration of or any physical contact with the medication by the DCW.
8. Encourages the client to be as independent as possible, according to the plan of services.
9. Promotes client mental alertness through engaging activities of interest.
10. Gives basic emotional and psychological support to the client/other members of the household.
11. Establishes a professional relationship with the client which develops trust and confidence.
12. Reports any change in client/consumer mental or physical status to the Agency Director or designee immediately.
13. Reports any change in the home situation to the supervisor promptly.
14. Performs basic housekeeping tasks related to a safe and healthy environment for the client/consumer. This includes dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, washing, and drying dishes, cleaning/disinfecting non-medical equipment, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and high-touch surfaces.
15. Prepares documentation related to the services provided as directed by the Agency.
16. Confirms the visit schedule of assigned cases with the Agency on a weekly basis.
17. Cooperate with employees of other community support agencies involved in client/consumer care.
18. Attends in-service programs as required by the Agency.
19. Works within the Direct Care Workers scope of practice in the state.
20. Consults the supervisor or designee as required.

1. Must have the ability to operate a personal vehicle or utilize public transportation to access client/consumer homes, which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible.
2. Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be adequate to perform directed client care.
3. May be required to safely lift, carry, or move up to 50 pounds.
4. Must be able to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
5. Must be able to work in a client home which may be unpredictable with regards to cleanliness or comfort (for instance, temperature of the home may be unpredictable).

1. Prefer high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must comprehend the basics of personal care, housekeeping, and meal preparation by successfully completing agency orientation and training.
3. Must understand and respect client confidentiality.
4. Must successfully complete all background screening and hiring requirements (including all pre-employment criminal background, health screening, successful orientation, and competency testing).
5. Must successfully complete items which are listed in this section prior to providing service to consumers.

TITLE OF POSITION: DIRECT CARE WORKER

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: AGENCY DIRECTOR, ALTERNATE AGENCY DIRECTOR, OR DESIGNEE

I have been given a copy of my job description. I have read and agree to the terms specified in this job description for the position I presently hold. I further understand that this job description may be reviewed at any time and that I will be provided with a revised copy.