5 Tips to Help Ace the Class Interview:


1) Come Prepared!: It’s easy to make an impression when you’re prepared. Bring a pen and some paper to take notes or to write down any questions you may have.

2) Dress to Impress!: As with any job interview you should always dress to show how serious you are about the position.

3) Answer all Questions: Try your best to answer all questions asked as thoroughly as possible. If the response needs to be written down please write as clear as possible in print.

4) Ask Questions: It’s very important to understand what you are signing up for, so please feel free to ask us as many questions as you like. We are more than happy to help and answer all your questions.

5) Please provide us with Up-to-date contact information: Please provide us with your complete contact information. It will be most helpful as to avoid losing contact with you and possibly losing your opportunity to take the training.

What is a professional reference letter? vs. What is a personal reference letter?

What is a professional reference letter? vs. What is a personal reference letter?

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE LETTER:

When someone you know is writing you a professional reference letter, they need to include the following:

1- Job Title ex. (RN, Social Worker, Police Officer, Manager, etc.)
2- Company Name and Address.
3- Phone Number
4- Speak to your good character and must be signed.
5- Must be typed and signed.

For example, if you are looking for a job as a Home Care Attendant and you provide three professional references (I.E. from a Business Owner, Tax Consultant and/or a Doctor) this exhibits that you have excellent professional contacts.

They may also want to specify in what capacity they know you, such as being an Employer, Supervisor, Co-Worker or business associate. This helps us understand what your relationship was to the reference and how they are qualified to critique your experience.

PERSONAL REFERENCE LETTER:

When someone you know is writing a personal reference letter, they need to include the following:
1- Can be written by a Friend and/or Family member.
2- Phone Number.
3- Can be hand-written or typed.

When written by a family member or friend, the letter is likely to include specific examples that help illustrate all of the character traits that make the individual qualified for that position.

Including a reference's job title can help advance your image especially if the person's position is similar to the job you want or business you are pursuing. In this case, we will be interested in feedback about you from someone in a related field or who was in a position of responsibility that can judge your work experience, professionalism and reliability.
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE LETTER:

When someone you know is writing you a professional reference letter, they need to include the following:

1- Job Title ex. (RN, Social Worker, Police Officer, Manager, etc.)
2- Company Name and Address.
3- Phone Number
4- Speak to your good character and must be signed.
5- Must be typed and signed.

For example, if you are looking for a job as a Home Care Attendant and you provide three professional references (I.E. from a Business Owner, Tax Consultant and/or a Doctor) this exhibits that you have excellent professional contacts.

They may also want to specify in what capacity they know you, such as being an Employer, Supervisor, Co-Worker or business associate. This helps us understand what your relationship was to the reference and how they are qualified to critique your experience.

PERSONAL REFERENCE LETTER:

When someone you know is writing a personal reference letter, they need to include the following:

1- Can be written by a Friend and/or Family member.
2- Phone Number.
3- Can be hand-written or typed.

When written by a family member or friend, the letter is likely to include specific examples that help illustrate all of the character traits that make the individual qualified for that position.

Including a reference's job title can help advance your image especially if the person's position is similar to the job you want or business you are pursuing. In this case, we will be interested in feedback about you from someone in a related field or who was in a position of responsibility that can judge your work experience, professionalism and reliability.

5 Tips to a Successful Inquiry on Home Health Aide Employment and Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide Training Opportunities:

· Greet with Introduction- Greetings are essential when inquiring about Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide employment and training opportunities. It is important to introduce yourself and state why you are calling to avoid confusion and incorrect information.

· Questions? - Before calling, write down any questions you have for the company. This will avoid forgetting important information you may need and time wasted. Your time and the time of the Recruitment Department is appreciated. Our goal is to assist you and all other inquiries in the most efficient and effective way possible.

· Be Prepared- Always have a pen and paper ready. When calling you will be receiving information that is crucial and essential. You may receive addresses, phone numbers, and information that must be brought in to apply with our agency.

· Be Kind and Courteous- When it comes to home care we at First Care of NY are always looking for the ideal candidate. This person must be polite, patient, compassionate, and a pleasure to speak with. The ideal candidate must have a passion for this type of employment. Keep in mind that you are being evaluated and interviewed from the day you inquire and will continue even after you begin working. Make a lasting impression and be the ideal candidate.

· Say Goodbye- Once you’ve accomplished a successful conversation close it out with a “bang!” Make sure to say farewell in a kind and courteous manner. Be thankful and appreciative of our time as we are of yours.

Calling All Certified Home Health Aides!

First Care of New York – Bronx is looking to hire certifed Home Health Aides! We will be accepting applications beginning June 28th for an upcoming Home Health Aide one day orientation taking place on July 6th! We ask that you please bring the following documents in order to apply:

     o Valid ID

     o Social Security Card

     o 2 Professional reference letters

     o Current physical (Dated within 3 months)

     o Valid HHA Certificate

We have full time and part time positons available! Please feel free to call us at 718-364-7251 Ext 214 or visit us at First Care of New York 2488 Grand Concourse Suite 329, Bronx, NY 10458. Good Luck!

Frequently Asked Questions for home health and personal care workers

Is First Care Of New York an agency or a school?

First Care is Both!
First-Care of New York Inc. is a licensed Home Care Service Agency as well as a licensed Home Health Aide Training Program, approved by the New York State Department of Health. First Care also is accredited by the Joint Commission with a gold Seal of approval. First Care provides Home Care services to the: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and Westchester County as well as offers Home Health Aide Training to qualified individuals. Training facilities are located at 2488 Grand Concourse, Suite 329, Bronx, NY. 10458 and 833 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn NY 11226.

What type of training programs do you offer?

First Care Of New York currently offers Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide training at the Bronx and Brooklyn and QueensTraining facilities.

What is a Personal Care Aide?
The Personal Care Aide is prepared to assist clients and families with personal care and home management. The Personal Care Aide provides services to patients whose medical conditions are stable. The Personal Care Aide works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.

The Personal Care Aide qualifications will conform to NYCRR Title X 700.2
Some responsibilities include:

• Assist with care of the teeth and mouth
• Assist with care of the hair including shampooing and shaving.
• Assist with ordinary care of the nails, including washing, drying, and filing with an emery board.
• Assist with bathing in bed, tub or shower.
• Assist with feeding.
• Assist with walking, use of walker, or wheelchair.
• Assist with dressing.
• Assist with transfers from bed to chair or commode and back.
• Prepare and serve meals according to instructions.
• Change bed linen.
• Dust, vacuum, and straighten the room that the patient uses.
• Wash dishes, scour kitchen and bathroom sink.
• Maintain general cleanliness of the patient environment.
• List needed supplies.
• Shop for patient in the absence of family members.
• Launders patient’s clothes and linens in the absence of family members

What is a Home Health Aide?

The Home Health Aide is trained to provide home management, personal care and health related tasks to patients and families experiencing recent episodic or chronic health care problems. The Home Health Aide works under the supervision of an RN or LPN.

The Home Health Aide qualifications will conform to NYCRR Title X 700.2

 Some responsibilities include:

•  Assist with the care of the teeth and gums.
•  Assist with the care of hair including shampooing and shaving.
•  Assist with ordinary care of nails, such as washing, drying and filing with an emery board.
•  Assist with bathing in the bed, tub or shower.
•  Assist with feeding.
•  Assist with toileting, use of commode, bedpan, urinal.
•  Assist with dressing.
•  Assist with walking, use of walker or wheelchair.
•  Assist with transfers from bed to chair or commode and back.
•  Prepares and serves meals according to instructions.
•  Changes bed linens.
•  Dusts, vacuums, and straightens the room the patient uses.
•  Washes dishes, scours the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
•  Maintains general cleanliness of the patient environment.
•  Lists needed supplies.
•  Shops for the patient in the absence of the family.
•  Launders the patient’s clothes and linens in the absence of the family.

In addition, the Home Health Aide is trained on Health Related Tasks and deemed competent to performing various tasks, to list a few (performing simple measurements and tests(temperature, pulse, blood pressure, etc), assisting with preparing complex modified diets, assisting with the use of prescribed medical equipment)

What is the difference between a Home Health Aide and a Personal Care Aide?

The main differences are the amount of training that is required, the tasks they are able to perform and the condition of the patient they are servicing

Personal Care Aide is only trained based on the Homecare Curriculum a curriculum set by the Department of Health, while the Home Health Aide is trained based on the Homecare curriculum and the Health Related Tasks set by the Department of Health.

The Home Health Aide is trained on Health Related Tasks and deemed competent to performing various tasks, to list a few (performing simple measurements and tests(temperature, pulse, blood pressure, etc), assisting with preparing complex modified diets, assisting with the use of prescribed medical equipment) which the PCA cannot perform.

The condition of the patient that a PCA is servicing needs to be stable where as the patient an HHA will service is chronic in nature.

How long is your HHA/PCA training?

PCA training is currently an 8 day program. It runs from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm each day for the 8 days. We currently do not offer evening classes or weekend classes..

HHA training is currently an 15 day program. It runs Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm each day for 15 days. We currently do not offer evening classes or weekend classes for this course.

 
What are the requirements to enroll in the training?

 To enroll you just have to provide us with a valid ID that proves your working status here in the USA, a social security card, and one professional reference that is typed and signed. If you are not sure if you have these requirements please feel free to ask the recruiter for details. Upon receiving these documents and a completed application the person will then be signed up for an interview for training.

Do you offer job placement?

Yes! Every student that successfully completes one of our training programs (PCATP, HHATP) and meets all the agency requirements is offered to be assigned to a case.

Do you offer your employees benefits?

Yes! We offer health insurance, dental plan, accident and cancer indemnities, disability income protector and life insurance after 3 months of employment and vacation pay after a year.

Do you offer bonuses? 

Yes! We have an Aide of the Month bonus of $100 (if chosen by our coordination staff) and Aide of the Year bonus of $200 (also chosen by our coordination staff) and often run various referral bonuses.

HHA-PCA Requirements

HHA/PCA Document Requirements

Photo ID: EITHER USA Passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Work Authorization Card OR If born in the USA, Photo ID (State, Benefit, School,) WITH Birth Certificate.

Social Security Card: (No Exceptions)

2 Professional References: MUST BE TYPED AND SIGNED

1) May be from a previous employer. (This includes private employment) It MUST state 1) dates of employment, 2) title, 3) duties, and 4) speak to your good character. OR may be from a school (High school, training school, college, etc) OR may be a professional reference. Professional meaning from a Pastor, Priest, Doctor, Nurse, Case Worker, Social Worker, Principle, Teacher, Case Manager, etc. It MUST state 1) how they know you on a professional level, 2) how long they have known you, and 3) speak to your good character. If they have worked with you then it MUST also state 1) more or less when you and this person have worked together and 2) in what capacity (If you not sure please ask the recruiter)

Physical: MUST be within 3 months from the day you apply to work with us, and MUST include standard physical (Height, Weight, Vaccinations, limitations, etc.) Rubella Vaccine/titre, Rubeola Vaccine/titre (if applicable) PPD (Tuberculosis shots - step one and two) with dates and results, and Drug Screen with results. All physicals MUST be signed by the physician and dated.

PCA Certificate(s): A PCA Certificate obtained by the Department of Health or Department of Education..

HHA Certificate(s): A HHA Certificated obtained by the Department of Health or Department of Education. HA training facility. If Certificate was not issued this current year, certificate must be accompanied with your in-service certificates or you must be working with an agency or worked for an agency within the current year.

PCA Class Requirements

HHA/PCA Class Document Requirements

Photo ID: EITHER USA Passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Work Authorization Card, Certificate of Naturalization OR If born in the USA you can provide Photo ID (State, Benefit, School,) WITH Birth Certificate.

Social Security Card: No Exceptions

1 Professional Reference: MUST BE TYPED AND SIGNED May be from a previous employer. (This includes private employment) It MUST state 1) dates of employment, 2) title, 3) duties, and 4) speak to your good character, OR may be from a school (High school, training school, college, etc) OR may be a professional reference. Professional meaning from a Pastor, Priest, Doctor, Nurse, Case Worker, Social Worker, Principle, Teacher, Case Manager, etc. It MUST state 1) how they know you on a professional level, 2) how long they have known you, and 3) speak to your good character. If they have worked with you then it MUST also state 1) more or less when you and this person have worked together and 2) in what capacity.