Home Care Aide / Caregiver (HCA)

Job Description

Job Description Home Care Aide / Caregiver

Santa Clarita Valley, CA (clients' homes) | Reports to: Director of Nursing / Nurse Supervisor | W-2 employee, non-exempt, at-will

About the Role

Bridges Home Health is a licensed California home health agency, and has been since 2010. What makes this role different from other caregiver jobs: you work under a Registered Nurse. An nurse builds every client's care plan, reviews it with you on a set schedule, and is the person you call when something changes. You are never left to figure out a client alone.

What You'll Do

• Provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)'

• Assist clients with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene

• Assist with mobility, transfers, positioning, and ambulation as appropriate

• Provide companionship and emotional support

• Assist with meal preparation and feeding, as appropriate

• Perform light housekeeping related to the client's care and living area

• Assist with laundry and changing bed linens

• Provide medication reminders, when permitted by applicable regulations and the client's care plan

• Accompany clients to appointments, errands, and other activities when assigned

• Observe and report changes in the client's condition, behavior, or environment to the appropriate supervisor

• Follow the client's individualized care plan and agency policies

• Maintain client privacy, dignity, and confidentiality

• Complete required documentation accurately and on time

• Maintain a safe and clean environment for the client

• Communicate professionally with clients, families, supervisors, and members of the care team

• Follow all applicable state regulations, safety requirements, and company policies

What You'll Never Be Asked to Do

Wound care, injections, tube feeding, catheter care, or any task requiring a license. If a client or family asks, you decline, report it to the DON the same day, and the RN evaluates whether the client needs a skilled visit added. This boundary protects you and the client. It is agency policy, not a suggestion.

You will also never be asked to handle a client's money, sign anything on their behalf, witness a will or power of attorney, or accept a gift, tip, or loan from a family.

Qualifications

• Previous caregiving, home care, personal care, or related experience preferred
• HCA registration/certification as required by applicable California regulations
• Current CPR/First Aid certification preferred or required based on assignment
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and care team members
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Reliable transportation to and from client assignments
• Ability to pass required background checks and employment screening
• Ability to provide required employment documentation
• Must demonstrate professionalism, compassion, patience, and reliability

Requirements

• 18 years or older with authorization to work in the U.S.

• DOJ Live Scan background clearance, initiated and paid for by the agency. You cannot work a solo shift until it comes back.

• TB screening.

• Five hours of entry-level training before your first solo shift — 2 hours orientation plus 3 hours safety and infection control — provided by the agency at no cost, plus 5 hours of paid annual training every year including the dementia-care module.

• Reliable transportation; valid CA driver's license and insurance if transporting clients.

• CNA or HHA certificate is a plus, not a requirement. We train.

• Physically able to assist with transfers safely, stand and walk for extended periods, and lift or support up to 50 pounds with proper technique.