Position Summary
The Health Assistant provides direct care and support services to customers in accordance with individualized service plans, agency policies, and State of Maine regulations. Responsibilities include medication administration, personal care assistance, documentation, housekeeping support, meal assistance, recreational engagement, and promoting participant safety, dignity, and independence.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide personal care services to participants as outlined in individualized care and service plans, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
- Administer medications and document medication administration accurately in accordance with physician orders, agency policy, CRMA regulations, and agency documentation procedures.
- Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential participant records including progress notes, medication documentation, physician orders, incident reports, and daily service documentation.
- Assist with meal preparation, meal service, participant dining support, and kitchen clean‑up while following all applicable health and sanitation guidelines.
- Provide housekeeping, laundry, and environmental support services necessary to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming program environment.
- Assist in planning, facilitating, and encouraging participant involvement in social, recreational, and therapeutic activities that promote wellness, independence, and quality of life.
- Maintain ongoing communication with participants, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community partners as appropriate to support coordinated participant care.
- Observe participants for changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral condition and promptly report concerns to the supervisor or appropriate healthcare personnel.
- Assist with participant transportation and escort services to appointments, activities, or community outings as assigned.
- Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, professional development activities, and agency initiatives to ensure compliance with program standards and best practices.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations, infection control standards, universal precautions, and all agency safety procedures.
- Promote positive teamwork and professional working relationships with co‑workers, volunteers, participants, families, and community partners.
- Answer telephones, greet visitors, relay information, and assist with general program communication and administrative support duties as needed.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support program operations and participant care.
Non‑Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
Experience & Skills
- 1–2 years of prior experience in a medical/clinical, office setting, or assisted living environment.
- Crisis intervention and management experience.
- Excellent organizational, listening, verbal, written, and record‑keeping skills.
- Ability to work independently with a diverse population.
- Ability to safely assist participants with mobility, transfers, and ambulation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant computer software.
Education & Knowledge
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Current Maine CRMA Certification (40‑hour course) required.
- Current Personal Support Specialist (PSS) certification required.
- Knowledge and ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations.
- Knowledge of medication administration procedures, infection control practices, universal precautions, and participant rights.
- Knowledge of emergency response procedures and participant safety practices.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
- Current C.H.R.C. certification required.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Other Requirements
- Ability to work a flexible schedule.
- Must pass required background checks.
- Must maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
- Must be physically able to assist participants with transfers, mobility, and daily care tasks.
General Expectations
- Maintain and promote the highest level of understanding of the Agency’s Mission, Vision, and Goals.
- Maintain confidentiality; protect the Agency by keeping information concerning employees, those we serve, and the Agency itself confidential.
- Follow all safety policies and procedures with a “safety first” approach to all job duties.
- Exhibit a positive, professional, and collaborative attitude with others inside and outside the Agency.
- Exhibit teamwork through effective internal communication and working relationships.
- Be punctual for scheduled work and use time appropriately.
- Perform required amount of work in a timely fashion with a minimum of errors.
- Participate in trainings, conferences, and meetings as necessary.
- Possess and exhibit the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity.
- Represent the Agency in the community as appropriate to the role.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, including operation of a standard computer keyboard; reach with hands and arms and talk, see and hear; prolonged standing is required. Eye–hand coordination and manual dexterity are required. The employee must regularly lift/move up to 75 pounds, including assisting with moving patients, as well as bend, stoop, stretch, or crouch.
Work Environment
Work is performed in office or assisted living environments. Noise level is moderate. Frequent local and occasional long‑distance travel may be required, sometimes in inclement weather. There may be frequent exposure to hazardous and infectious materials, including blood‑borne pathogens.