Position Summary
The Home Help Caregiver provides non-medical, in-home personal care and homemaking support to a client(s). The caregiver assists the client with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) as authorized in the client's individualized service plan, with the goal of helping the client remain safely and independently in their own home.
Key Responsibilities
Personal Care (ADLs)
- Assist with bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Assist with toileting and incontinence care
- Provide mobility support, including transferring (e.g., bed to chair) and ambulation within the home
- Assist with eating and, when needed, feeding
- Provide medication reminders (caregiver does not administer medication unless separately certified)
Homemaking (IADLs)
- Prepare and serve meals in accordance with the client's dietary needs
- Perform light housekeeping tasks essential to a clean and safe environment
- Do laundry and change linens; travel for laundry when required by the service plan
- Shop for groceries and other essential items; travel for shopping when required by the service plan
- Accompany or transport the client to medical appointments when authorized
Safety, Communication & Documentation
- Monitor for fall risks and general safety concerns in the home
- Observe and report changes in the client's condition, behavior, or needs to the client, family, or supervising staff
- Complete required visit documentation and use Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) to clock in and out, unless the client/visit is EVV-exempt
- Maintain client confidentiality and treat the client with dignity and respect at all times
- Perform only the tasks authorized in the client's MDHHS service plan; complex care tasks require physician documentation and task-specific training before being performed
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must pass a criminal history/background screen prior to providing services
- Willingness to participate in required or available training programs
- Reliable transportation, if the service plan includes travel for shopping, laundry, or appointments
- Prior caregiving experience (formal or informal) preferred but not always required
- Ability to follow a written service/care plan and communicate professionally with the client, family, and care team
Physical Requirements
- Ability to assist with transfers and mobility support, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods
- Ability to safely assist clients who may weigh significantly more than the caregiver, using proper body mechanics
- Ability to travel to the client's home and, when required, to accompany the client to appointments or errands
Employment Notes
This job description is a general guide to the role’s essential duties and is not exhaustive. Duties may be adjusted based on the individual client’s needs.
