Personal Care Aide

Personal Care Aide (PCA)

The Personal Care Aide (PCA) is a paraprofessional member of the client care team who works under the scheduling supervisions of the Client Care Coordinator and clinical supervision of a registered nurse, Clinical Manager, by providing selected personal care services and limited related household tasks. These activities will be part of the client's plan of care and must be provided under a physician's order.

Reporting To: Clinical Manager

Wage/Hour Classification: Non-Exempt

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Implements and provides day-to-day Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) support to clients within their home as ordered by the physician's plan of treatment and client's plan of care.
2. Appropriately assist clients with activities of daily living and personal care in accordance with the care plan including:

• Assisting or performing personal care including: Baths (tub, shower, bed). Mouth care, denture care, skin care, foot care (no toenail cutting). Grooming (shampoo, comb hair, shave, file nails). Dressing and undressing activities.
• Elimination (toilet, commode, urinal, bedpan).
• Transfers.
• Assisting with ambulation with or without mechanical aids.
• Assisting the client with therapy exercises under the direction of a Registered Therapist
• Appropriately assist with household tasks directly related to the client's health and in accordance with the care plan:
• Maintenance of a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
• Planning and preparing meals according to specific dietary requirements of the client, and if necessary, feeding the client.
• Light housekeeping of client's immediate environment.
• Laundry of clients bedding and clothing.
• Assistance in completing activities such as shopping/grocery, errands, and appointments outside of the home.
• Providing companionship and stimulation for the client including reading, walks, etc.; and accompanying the client to doctors or other appointments.
• Utilize equipment in an appropriate and safe manner.
• Remind client for self-administration of medication.
• Do Not Administer Medications. Medications include eye drops, ear drops, ointments, pills, suppositories, injections, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Aspirin, vitamins, and minerals.
• Accurately documents shift details and services accurately within established time parameters.
• Ensures the safety of clients and self. Follows Universal Precautions and demonstrates safe hand washing techniques.
• Observes the client's general physical, emotional, and mental status, and report all changes in the client's conditions, family situation, or incidents during shift immediately to agency coordinator, supervisor, and client's designated representative (as instructed by employer).
• Maintain and improve skills through attendance with staff development programs and inservice education requirements.
• Maintain Confidentiality in all professional areas and consider the needs of clients and their families, other employees, physicians, visitors, and all members of the community in an informative, courteous, and compassionate manner.
• Ensure all HIPAA regulations are adhered to.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

ADA Requirements:

1. Routinely required to sit, stand, and walk in variable surfaces, including occasional climbing of ramps or stairs or the use of foot controls.
2. Routinely required to use hands for various tasks, including hand controls, gripping, and handling of objects.
3. At times, will be required to reach beyond mid-line of body, reach overhead or at chest level.
4. There are specific vision abilities required to perform this job, which include close, distance and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
5. All employees will be required to use universal safety precautions when performing their assigned tasks.
6. Employee must have the ability to lift, push, pull and carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
7. Employee must have the ability to stoop and bend up to 2.5 hours per 8-hour shift.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Licensure/Certification: Current certification/registration with the North Carolina Board of Nursing
2. Current PCA certification.
3. Be in compliance with all existing regulations and company policies.
4. CPR preferred and may be required for some clients.
5. Must meet transportation, language, and cultural requirements specific to branch needs.
6. PCAs are required to possess a sympathetic attitude toward the care of the sick, ability to read, write and carry out directions and maturity to deal effectively with the demands of the job.
7. Other Hours of Work: Varies on a case-by-case basis, variable hour employee.

Additional Requirements: Bi-lingual – English/Spanish a plus.