Home Health Aide

Job Summary: The Home Health Aide (HHA) provides personal care and supportive services to PACE participants in their homes under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and in accordance with each participant’s interdisciplinary team (IDT) plan of care. The HHA promotes safety, dignity, functional independence, and health outcomes while adhering to California Title 22 scope, CDPH HHA certification standards, and state/federal PACE program rules.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Participant Care

Perform personal care/home health aide services as assigned in the plan of care, including:

Personal hygiene: skin, mouth, hair care; bathing (tub, shower, bed).

Mobility & transfers: assist in/out of bed/chair; ambulation with/without devices; positioning; assist with prescribed exercises taught by appropriate health personnel.

Elimination: assist to bathroom; use of commodes, bedpans, urinals; non‑sterile bowel/bladder hygiene.

Nutrition: prepare meals including therapeutic diets and assist with eating.

Household tasks necessary to facilitate self‑care and prevent or postpone institutionalization (light housekeeping, laundry related to care).

Colostomy bag changes, non‑sterile dressings, vital signs - only if taught and delegated for a specific participant by a licensed professional and the aide has demonstrated competency

Medication assistance: assist only with medications ordinarily self‑administered; do not administer medications.

Observation & reporting: promptly report changes in condition and participant/family needs to supervise RN or therapist; complete required documentation accurately and timely.

PACE‑Specific Care Integration

Deliver services consistent with the IDT plan of care, participant rights, and required services under PACE (42 CFR Part 460).

Coordinate with the PACE Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and participate in feedback loops for assessments and plan updates as requested.

Follow organizational orientation, training, and competency policies for personal care aides/home care aides working in PACE.

Safety, Infection Prevention, and Emergency Response

Adhere to agency infection control policies and PACE infection control standards; maintain immunizations as required for direct participant contact.

Implement home safety measures and emergency procedures appropriate to the setting and participant needs.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education: Must have completed one of the CDPH-approved pathways to HHA certification and have an active California Home Health Aide (HHA) certification.

Experience: A minimum of one year’s experience in working with frail or elderly population required.

Skills & Knowledge:

Proficient in ADL assistance, safe transfer techniques, body mechanics, and basic vital signs.

Understanding of therapeutic diets, hydration, and safe food handling in the home.

Ability to follow written plans of care and receive delegation from licensed clinicians, strong observational and reporting skills.

Cultural humility and communication skills suitable for diverse, frail, and cognitively impaired older adults in community settings (PACE program purpose).