Home Support Assistant (Casual)

About the Department

Under direct supervision of the Supportive Home Care Supervisor, performs routine household support and assistance with daily tasks for clients in their place of residence.   Duties primarily include light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, transportation and companionship to help maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.  This position does not provide hands-on personal care or medical services.

Position Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Performs routine household assistance and task-based support to clients.

Performs light housekeeping tasks including dusting, vacuuming, sweeping floors, washing dishes, cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces, laundering clothing and linens and removing trash.   

Assists with basic meal preparation and kitchen clean-up.   

May assist with grocery shopping or picking up food items as directed by the client or supervisor.

Provides transportation for errands such as grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-ups and appointments, when assigned.

Provides friendly companionship and social interaction with clients while performing assigned tasks.

Assists with simple household organization and daily tasks such as organizing items, watering plants, or assisting with routine chores.

May remind clients of scheduled activities or appointments, as directed.

Reports concerns regarding client well-being, safety issues, or changes in the home environment to the supervisor.

Maintains basic documentation of tasks completed as required by the agency.

Attends scheduled in-services, conferences, and department meetings.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive, in the sense it covers all the duties an employee may be required to   perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.   

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience                  

High School diploma or general education degree (GED).Prior experience providing supportive care, Alzheimer's and dementia care, and/or disability support is a plus, but not required. 

Language Skills                                                          

Ability to read and understand basic written instructions, schedules, and simple forms.

Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with clients, supervisors, and co-workers.

Ability to follow verbal directions and ask questions when clarification is needed.

Ability to record simple notes or checklists regarding tasks completed, as required by the agency.

Mathematical Skills                                                          

Ability to perform basic arithmetic such as addition and subtraction using whole numbers and fifteen-minute increments.

Ability to measure simple quantities for basic meal preparation or household tasks.   No advanced mathematical skills are required.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to follow simple written and verbal instructions and complete routine tasks according to established procedures.

Ability to recognize and report basic concerns or safety issues to a supervisor.

Ability to use common sense in carrying out straightforward tasks and ask for guidance when unfamiliar situations arise.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic knowledge of simple electronic communication tools such as email and mobile applications for scheduling or reporting completed tasks.

Ability to enter brief notes or checklists of completed duties when required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations    

Valid Driver’s License, with access to a dependable automobile and carrying at least the minimum automobile insurance coverage.

Other Skills and Abilities    

Basic understanding of routine household tasks including cleaning, laundry, and simple meal preparation.

Ability to follow instructions on basic universal precautions.   

Ability to follow directions and work cooperatively with supervisors and clients.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect client privacy.

Ability and temperament to work with clients that have physical and mental limitations or disabilities.

Ability to be compassionate, reliable, punctual and dependable. 

Ability to report concerns or safety issues to a supervisor.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear; reach with hands and arms; stand and walk. 

The employee is frequently required to sit, bend, and push and pull; and occasionally stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Often performs tasks which require hand-eye coordination. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Ability to wear gloves, masks, and other protective equipment as directed.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to weather conditions; hazards of driving; unclean inside environmental conditions; and difficult interpersonal interaction with exposure to potentially violent patients. May be exposed to odors, infections, contagious diseases, toxic agents, temperature variations/or dust, and the risk of bloodborne pathogens. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Provides essential government services and administration for Calumet County.