Personal Care Aide

Personal Care Aide

The West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, Inc. (WSFSSH) is a community‐based organization whose mission is to provide safe, affordable housing with supportive services within a residential setting which enhances the independence and dignity of each person. WSFSSH develops, manages, and provides housing for low‐ income older persons, many of whom live with mental illness and/or have experienced homelessness.

Position Description

The Personal Care Aide (PCA) provides hands-on assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to older adults and/or residents with disabilities living in a nonprofit senior/supportive housing setting. The PCA supports residents' safety, dignity, independence, and comfort through person-centered care, clear communication, and reliable service delivery. This role follows an individualized care plan and works under the direction of a Social Worker II.

This is a full-time, onsite role (5) days a week.

Responsibilities Will Include:

• Assist residents with bathing/showering, toileting/incontinence care, dressing/grooming, and oral hygiene while maintaining privacy and dignity.
• Help with eating/feeding as needed, following diet orders and safety guidelines (e.g., aspiration precautions if applicable).
• Observe and promptly report changes in resident condition (skin integrity, appetite, mobility, mood, confusion, pain, safety risks).
• Follow infection control practices (hand hygiene, PPE as required), universal precautions, and safe disposal of contaminated materials.
• Maintain a safe environment; identify fall risks and notify the supervisor of hazards or concerns.
• Complete timely documentation (care notes, task checklists, service logs) per policy and program requirements.
• Always follow confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries.
• Communicate respectfully with residents and families (as appropriate) and coordinate with nursing, social services, and building staff.
• Participate in shift handoffs, in-service trainings, and care plan updates; follow directions from the supervising clinician.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to provide respectful, hands-on personal care with attention to dignity and resident preferences.
• Knowledge of safe transfer techniques, body mechanics, and basic infection control practices.
• Ability to observe, document, and communicate changes in condition clearly and promptly.
• Compassionate, reliable, and calm under pressure; able to respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Ability to follow written care plans and verbal instructions accurately.
• Basic English communication skills (verbal and written) sufficient for care documentation; bilingual skills a plus based on resident needs.
• Basic technology skills (mobile timekeeping, electronic visit verification or similar, as applicable).

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred (may be required by funder/regulation).
• Highly Preferred: One of the following (as applicable to your program/state requirements):
• Home Health Aide (HHA) certification (state-approved), and/or
• Personal Care Aide (PCA) certification or completion of an approved training program
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe).
• Minimum 1 year experience aiding older adults or individuals with disabilities preferred (home care, assisted living, supportive housing, nursing home, hospital, etc.).
• Experience working with dementia, mobility limitations, and/or chronic health conditions strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily on-site in resident apartments and common areas; may require walking/standing for extended periods.
• Must be able to assist with transfers and mobility support; ability to lift/push/pull per job needs (often up to 35–50lbs. with proper techniques/equipment).
• May be exposed to bodily fluids; must follow PPE and universal precautions.
• Schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on resident needs.

Benefit Overview

Westside Federation for Senior & Supportive Housing offers full-time employees a comprehensive choice of benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) retirement savings, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life & Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), commuter benefits and more. Voluntary benefit options and time off include 11-12 paid Federal Holidays as well as vacation and sick time.

EEO Statement

WSFSSH is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO); employment is based on qualifications, without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law.