Observable skills verification based on Pennsylvania regulatory requirements
Supervisor observes skill during home visit
Verbal confirmation from client or family member
Evidence in care notes and task completion
Regulatory Basis:
28 Pa. Code § 611.56(b) - Competency demonstration required before independent client assignment
55 Pa. Code § 52.21 - Service worker qualifications and annual competency review
Enter the task codes authorized for this client - only assess skills relevant to approved services
Why This Matters:
You should only assess competencies that apply to THIS client's care plan. If meal prep isn't authorized, skip that section. If the worker serves multiple clients with different care plans, complete a separate assessment for each client assignment.
List any specific task codes from the client's care plan
Assessment Scope:
Based on the task codes selected above, only assess the competency categories that are relevant to this client's care plan. You may skip entire sections if those services are not authorized. Focus your assessment on what this worker will actually be doing for this client.
Assess only the task codes selected above for this client
Planning, preparing, and serving meals safely
Checks care plan for allergies, diabetic requirements, texture modifications, cultural preferences
Washes hands before cooking, checks expiration dates, stores food at proper temperatures, prevents cross-contamination
Demonstrates safe knife technique, monitors stove/oven, prevents burns, cleans up spills immediately
Light housekeeping and maintaining clean environment
Sweeps, mops, dusts, vacuums, does dishes, takes out trash according to client's needs and schedule
Removes clutter from walkways, wipes up spills, ensures proper lighting, reports maintenance issues
Self-administration reminders only (NOT administering)
Important: Caregivers may ONLY remind clients to take their own medications. They cannot administer, pour, open bottles, or hand medications to clients.
Knows when medications are scheduled, reminds client without touching medication, documents in care notes
Does not touch medication bottles, does not hand pills to client, calls supervisor if client refuses or has issues
Grocery shopping and errands for client
Purchases only items on list, compares prices, saves receipts, returns change accurately
Selects fresh produce, checks dates on perishables, stores items properly upon return
Transporting client to appointments and errands
Provides support during transfer, ensures seatbelt fastened, stores mobility equipment properly
Has valid license and insurance, drives defensively, no phone use while driving, arrives on time
Hair care, oral care, shaving assistance
Provides toothbrush/toothpaste, assists if needed, cleans and stores dentures properly
Combs/brushes gently, helps with hair washing, respects client's styling preferences
Uses electric razor only (never blade), follows client's routine, cleans equipment after use
Assisting with clothing and adaptive techniques
Dresses affected side first, removes from unaffected side first, allows client to do what they can independently
Provides privacy, respects clothing choices, maintains modest covering, encourages independence
Nail care, lotion application, skin care
Applies lotion gently, observes for skin breakdown, reports redness or concerns to supervisor
Files nails carefully, does not cut nails (especially diabetic clients), reports overgrown nails to supervisor
Basin bathing, shower/tub assistance, safety during bathing
Tests water temperature, places non-slip mat, gathers supplies, ensures grab bars available, provides privacy
Provides appropriate level of assistance, respects privacy, drapes with towels, observes skin condition
Remains within earshot/sight, monitors for dizziness or distress, assists with safe exit from tub/shower
Walking assistance, mobility support, gait belt use
Applies belt around waist, holds from behind/side, never lifts client by belt, removes after ambulation
Ensures mobility device in good working order, positions correctly, allows client to set pace
Removes clutter, ensures adequate lighting, encourages use of handrails, reports concerns
Bed to chair, wheelchair transfers, safe body mechanics
Bends knees, keeps back straight, holds client close, pivots feet instead of twisting
Locks wheelchair brakes, positions chair correctly, uses gait belt, communicates each step to client
Does not attempt transfers beyond ability, uses two-person assist when needed, never drags or lifts client
Toileting assistance, dignity, hygiene after toileting
Provides privacy, assists as needed with clothing, remains nearby for safety, never rushes client
Ensures proper wiping technique, handwashing after toileting, disposes of waste properly
Repositioning in bed, turning, pressure relief
Turns every 2 hours if bedbound, uses pillows for support, checks for redness, protects bony areas
Uses draw sheet if available, gets client to help when able, never drags client across sheets
Feeding assistance, aspiration precautions, mealtime support
Client sitting upright at 90 degrees, chin slightly down, remains upright 30 min after eating
Small bites, allows time to chew/swallow, watches for signs of choking, follows texture modifications
Knows Heimlich maneuver, calls 911 if needed, documents incidents, reports concerns to supervisor
Incontinence care, dignity, skin protection
Maintains privacy, never scolds or shames, uses matter-of-fact tone, respects client's feelings
Wears gloves, wipes front to back, cleanses thoroughly, applies barrier cream, disposes of waste properly
Checks for redness, rash, breakdown; reports changes immediately; applies protective ointment as directed
Essential soft skills and professional behaviors beyond task execution
Note: These intangible qualities are just as important as technical skills. They determine whether a worker is truly effective and trusted by clients and families.
Notices changes in client's condition, mood, or behavior; picks up on subtle cues; anticipates needs before being asked; stays focused on client rather than being distracted
Speaks clearly and respectfully; listens actively to client and family; explains what they're doing before doing it; responds to office calls/texts promptly; documents clearly in care notes
Arrives on time consistently; calls office immediately if running late or unable to work; follows through on commitments; doesn't cancel shifts unnecessarily; completes full shift time
Wears clean uniform shirt; appropriate clothing; name badge visible; neat/clean appearance; no strong perfumes or scents; maintains good personal hygiene
Maintains appropriate professional relationship; doesn't accept gifts/money; doesn't share personal problems; respects client's privacy; never discusses client information with others
Takes initiative to address client needs without being told; finds solutions to minor problems; knows when to call supervisor for help; doesn't ignore issues or "wait to be told"
Remains patient when client is slow or repetitive; shows genuine care and kindness; never speaks harshly or shows frustration; treats client with warmth and empathy
Uses cell phone only for work purposes (EVV clock in/out, calling office); no personal texting/browsing during care time; no phone use while driving with client
Identifies safety hazards proactively; uses good judgment in emergencies; knows when to call 911; reports incidents immediately; follows infection control protocols
Electronic signature or print for manual signature
Electronic signature or print for manual signature
This completed competency checklist must be placed in the worker's personnel file and retained for the duration of employment plus 7 years per regulatory requirements (28 Pa. Code § 611.56; 55 Pa. Code § 52.21).