General Information

Position Description:           Companion Carer

Qualifications:                      High school/Senior Certificate, Desirable. Right at Home recruits and trains nursing students, medical students and students of social work and allied health professions, as well as caregivers looking for casual or part-time employment.

Location:                                Right At Home Sydney Beverly Hills

Responsible to:                    Clinical Care Manager/Care Manager

Award:                                   Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award [MA000100]

Purpose of Position

The Companion Carer provides for the maintenance of a safe and clean environment by performing general light cleaning duties throughout clients’ homes, including but not limited to the cleaning of client rooms and bathrooms, vacuuming, meal preparation, transportation and improving the quality of life for the client and enabling them to maintain their independence at home.

Duties

·         Adheres to Right at Home policies and procedures for all community care activities.

·         Performs domestic activities in relation to clients’ individualised care plan, which may include vacuuming, dusting, sweeping or mopping floors, doing dishes, changing bed linen, laundry and cleaning bathrooms.

·         Prepares meals and grocery shopping.

·         Provides companionship for the client. 

·         All care tasks and interactions with clients require formal feedback documentation. Documentation on clients’ goals and welfare status to support ongoing monitoring of clients' care.

·         Document any client complaints or incidents in accordance with Right at Home Procedures. Companion staff must remain within scope of practice of their role and escalate concerns to the Clinical Care Manager/Care Manager.

·         Communicates effectively with clients, significant others and other members of the Care Team and ensures confidentiality of client information.

·         Maintains up-to-date knowledge and skills by attending In-Service training in accordance with identified needs, particularly in relation to Work Health & Safety.

·         Follow Aged Care Standards and Code of Conduct to ensure an individual's rights are maintained within the care they provide

The Companion Carer will NOT perform any of the following:        

·         Personal Care Services such as bathing, dressing or shaving.

·         Any heavy lifting or transferring of clients.

·         Administering any medications, ointments, eye drops, etc.

·         Heavy-duty household chores such as washing walls, waxing floors, washing windows.

·         Household repairs and maintenance.

·         Cut the fingernails or toenails of any client.

Additional (non-essential Functions)

·         Performs other duties as directed by the Care Manager and in accordance with a client's care plan.

Educational Qualifications

·         Current Basic Life Support (CPR) and First Aid Certificate must be maintained.

Experience

·         High School/Senior Certificate desirable.

·         Must have strong interpersonal skills relating to empathy, care, and strong communication.

·         Understand the importance of individual care needs, principles of Aged Care Standards and enabling clients to meet goals.

·         Communicate effectively (written, oral and comprehension skills) as required for the job. 

·         Have a valid Driver’s License and a fully comprehensive insured private vehicle for work or access to adequate transportation.

Working Conditions

·         Primarily works in the client’s place of residence.  Travel required and shift times and days may vary with the client’s needs.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

·         Performs role in line with all organisational requirements and with Aged Care Quality Standards.

·         Establishes and maintains effective communication and harmonious working relationships.

·         Updates knowledge and skills by pursuing continuing professional development.

Key Selection Criteria

·         Senior Certificate Desirable and previous experience favourable.

·         Australian Federal Police Clearance Certificate.

·         Driver’s License and a comprehensively insured, dependable private vehicle.

·         Demonstrated understanding of the roles and relationships between the Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse, Personal Care Assistance, and Companion Carer.

·         Ability to plan and complete designated duties.

·         Ability to read, write and follow procedures.

·         Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Clients’ significant others and other members of the Care Team.

·         Demonstrated ability to maintain and promote the safety of clients, self and others, including a knowledge of emergency procedures and Work Health and Safety.

In-Service Training

Participates in mandatory education and ongoing In-Service training (This requirement need not be met exclusively through Right at Home-sponsored in-services programs).

Working Conditions/Environment

Primarily works in clients’ place of residence, travel required.  Shift or visit times and days vary with clients’ needs.

Notes/Special Instructions

May be called upon to perform additional tasks as required by the office.