Healthcare Attendant

Health Care Attendants or HCA’s work day, afternoon and night shifts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide ongoing, continuous monitoring of clients and the facility.  During their shift, HCA’s are responsible for the safety and supervision of the clients at the Jim Gilmore Jr. Community Healing Center of Kalamazoo.  They also provide coverage for the 24-hour information/help line.  They also provide support for the Nursing Staff.

• Make beds & disinfect sleeping area as needed.
• Disinfect Nursing Station on each shift.
• Check for side rails in “up” position on all shifts.
• Check supply status in detox area.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Assist in answering the door/telephone on 3 -11 and 11 – 7 shifts.
• Clean all bathrooms each night.
• Document annual training related to skills required for this position (CPR). In compliance with the required protective measures as specified by CHC & Infection Control Policies and Procedures: Properly handle, label, and clean potentially infectious materials (i.e., blood, urine, feces, bodily fluids, etc.).
• Other duties specific to the shift worked, as outlined in the Shift Duties list.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the on site Supervisor and/or Nursing Coordinator.

• Listen to report at the beginning of their shift / Report pertinent information and unusual occurrences to the next shift.
• Completes intake screening/referral/inquiry forms on prospective clients and contact the Admissions Coordinator with such information.
• Performs residential and detox intake and discharge functions as directed and according to policy/procedure.
• Documents activities in the Daily Log.
• Make hourly house checks (see Shift Duties).
• Answers all phone request for information, refers parties to appropriate services.
• Contact residential coordinator, nurse and appropriate counselor on all AMA/ASA discharges.
• Monitor the pay phone.
• Facilitate step and/or didactic groups as assigned/needed.
• Monitor suicidal clients.
• Complete incident reports as necessary.
• Follow core program/activities calendar as posted; unless instructed otherwise by the residential coordinator.
• Work to maintain a therapeutic milieu.
• Observe and appropriately document client behavior.
• Explicitly follow all policies/procedures for self-administration of medication as developed by the physician and/or nurse at the Jim Gilmore Jr. Community Healing Center of Kalamazoo.
• Perform Swabs, urine screens (as needed) for the general public, and residents.
• Receive report and assignment from Nurse.
• Assist Nurse with detox clients, COWS, CIWA, BP, basic “status checks” as needed.
• Assist with routine medication passing.
• Chart and pass information regarding clients to Nurses.
• Obtain meals for detox clients as needed.
• Stock linen closets in detox & run laundry if needed
  Assist with making vitamin packets for clients.
• Make nursing admission form packets
• Assist in completion of shift “check sheets”.
• Do baggage search as needed
• Assist in transferring clients to the residential unit

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Certification: Certifications in CPR, First Aid, CNA & Medications Training.
• Experience: Time spent in the substance abuse/addictions field and/or other related health care field; experiential knowledge of the 12-Step Program preferred.
• Physical Abilities: Must be physically capable of responding to medical emergencies.
• Interpersonal Skills: Good communication skills are essential.  Must be able to interact politely and tactfully with a wide variety of individuals including those incapacitated or impaired due to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
• Judgment: Sound judgment and problem solving skills are essential; must be able to follow and enforce rules.
• Knowledge of first aid.
• Practice active listening skills when a client “needs” to talk and offer honest but neutral feedback, when appropriate (counselor-aide role).