DIRECT CARE ASSISTANT II

About the role

This Direct Care Assistant II position assists in the provision of the Tuberculosis Control Program services, including direct patient care, clinical support, and administrative duties. This position is considered essential for emergencies and is not eligible for telework.

Responsibilities

• Direct Clinical Duties (40%)
  • Performs direct patient care such as monitoring vital signs, height, weight, pulse oximeter readings, obtaining specimens/phlebotomy, assisting in physical examinations, and performing vision screenings.
  • Prepares blood specimens using centrifuges and incubators; packages labs for courier while maintaining temperature requirements.
  • Follows OSHA standards and aseptic techniques for cleanliness and sterility.
  • Performs Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and reviews Video Directly Observed Therapy (VDOT).
  • Sets up Scene accounts for active TB cases and troubleshoots as needed.
  • Conducts home visits for blood work, sputum pick-up/drop-off, and DOTs; assists RNs in home visits.
  • Reinforces patient education provided by RNs, using language interpretation as needed.
  • Initiates proper personal protective equipment and isolation measures per protocol.
• Clinical Support Duties (30%)
  • Completes laboratory requisitions, labels specimens, contacts couriers, and enters lab orders into CureMD and Lab Web Portal.
  • Organizes B waiver referrals, including scheduling, maintaining spreadsheets, providing radiology referrals, and submitting worksheets to the State.
  • Documents and maintains client records, keeping clinicians and RNs informed.
  • Responds to inquiries from the medical community, labs, and the public on TB-related issues.
  • Provides community resources and follows referral procedures.
  • Assists in targeted population screening for TB contact investigations.
  • Inventories clinic laboratory supplies and TB medications monthly; orders supplies as directed.
  • Inventories medical supplies quarterly.
  • Prepares and restocks clinic rooms and lab supplies.
  • Cleans lab room after patient care.
  • Completes delegated tasks for RNs and attends in-service training to maintain competencies.
• Administrative Support Duties (20%)
  • Provides administrative support for the TB program, including screening and directing telephone calls.
  • Receives and distributes mail; organizes courier pick-ups for lab transport.
  • Monitors SR Fax and TB program email, distributing correspondence to appropriate staff.
  • Arranges transport services for TB patients and verifies appointments.
  • Organizes program meetings using Zoom, MS Teams, or in-person; records minutes as directed.
  • Assists in compiling data for TB reports (monthly, quarterly, yearly) and Health Stats.
  • Processes and verifies labs/reports for daily data analysis.
  • Schedules/reschedules appointments in CureMD, calls patients for reminders, and documents calls.
  • Schedules language interpretation for non-English speaking clients.
  • Provides backup support to TB RNs for phone calls, reports, and forms.
  • Assists with the Gift Card program as directed.
  • Enters HIV testing information into Cognito.
  • Maintains records and submits MRC volunteer hours monthly.
  • Represents the Howard County Health Department at meetings and events.
  • Participates in case studies and program presentations.
  • Accepts special projects as assigned.
• Standard Nursing Duties (5%)
  • Participates in HCHD Nurse Trainings, including orienting new staff and cross-training others.
  • Participates in community outreach and education events, such as career fairs.
  • Assists in specimen collection, packing, shipping, and transport, including after-hours if needed.
  • Provides additional nursing functions, such as outbreak investigations and TB contact studies.
• Other Duties (5%)
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Two years of experience assisting in the care, treatment, habilitation, or rehabilitation of patients/clients in treatment facilities or community-based programs.

• Additional experience in patient or client direct care may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Hospital Corpsman or Health Care Specialist classifications may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Qualifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification or eligibility to obtain it.
• Experience in phlebotomy or possession of a phlebotomy training certificate.
• Current CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel), Microsoft Teams, OneDrive/SharePoint, and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

• Current Nursing Assistant certification from the Maryland State Board of Nursing, or completion of a Board-approved training program within 60 days of hire.
• Geriatric Aide certificate may be required for positions in long-term care facilities.
• Valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license if assigned duties requiring vehicle operation.
• Specific motor vehicle operator’s license for van operation if required.
• Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification if required.

Special Requirements

• Completion of a direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent appointment.
• Must provide a telephone number for call-in purposes.
• Subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09.