State of Maryland

A Health Aide is the full performance level of work assisting in the health care of clients in community health programs or inpatient or residential facilities.  Employees in this classification do not supervise but may provide advice and guidance to other lower-level workers.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a physician, registered nurse or other health care professional.  Employees are required to observe infection control precautions in order to prevent contamination and the spread of disease.  The work may require the lifting of patients, wheelchairs and heavy equipment.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Prepares for clinic activities by scheduling appointments, obtaining clients’ records and setting out needed equipment and supplies;

Takes and records clients’ temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight and height;

Collects and transmits certain laboratory specimens;

Assists physicians, nurses, or other health professionals during clinics;

Assists in teaching clients and their families the activities of daily living associated with a specific illness or handicap;

Provides basic first aid;

Sterilizes equipment;

Reinforces instructions given by professional staff to clients on topics such as basic nutrition and home health;

Records client information and statistical data and maintains records and files;

Performs health screening procedures for vision, hearing, head lice, pregnancy, cholesterol, hematocrit and urine;  

May review patient data such as weight, height, blood pressure, diet and income to determine WIC risk assessments and certification for eligibility;

May maintain health records, provide first aid and health instruction, and perform health screenings in a school setting;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of proper procedures for lifting clients/patients;

Ability to comprehend and follow instructions and maintain confidential information;

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and work with fractions in taking vital signs and dispensing medication;

Ability to prepare statistical reports and records;

Ability to properly care for equipment;

Ability to apply health care regulations;

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with patients and clients and their family members, supervisors, and staff;

Ability to make and clearly describe observations;

Ability to carry out safety procedures;

Ability to communicate effectively with patients and clients, supervisors, co-workers and the general public.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: None.

Note:

Applicants may substitute experience assisting in the health care of clients in a health setting on a year-for-year basis for up to four years of the required education.

1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certificate as a Nursing Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing, 4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. Persons appointed to a position in this classification without certification as a Nursing Assistant must successfully complete a Board of Nursing approved nursing assistant training program and receive certification as a Nursing Assistant within sixty days from date of hire prior to performing delegated nursing tasks. Appointees who fail to successfully complete this requirement will not be retained in these positions.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

3. Employees in this classification may be required to successfully complete training and maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

4. Employees in this classification may be required to successfully complete training and maintain current certification in basic first aid.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated special appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit D- Health and Human Service Non-Professional classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.