Personal Care Attendant

Description

SUMMARY: A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is responsible for ensuring the quality and safe delivery of home care services in accordance with Agency philosophy and established standards of primary home care. The primary role of a PCA includes but is not limited to; providing personal assistance services to clients in their place of residence; providing a safe and clean environment; work cooperatively with clients and their families; and report observations and problems to the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Promotes positive, supportive respectful communication to client/family and agency personnel.

- Provides an environment which promotes respect for the client's privacy and property.

- Provides services to clients according to the Individual Service Plan. Services may include any or all the following, but are limited to:

- Assistance in maintaining a safe environment and providing a degree of emotional support necessary for the client's well-being.

- Home Management - preparation and serving of light meals, grocery shopping, linen changes, laundry, light housekeeping as directed.

- Assistance with personal care - feeding, exercising, bathing, dressing, grooming, routine hair/skin care, toileting, transfer/ambulation as directed.

- Provides a clean, safe and comfortable environment.

- Provides skills necessary to perform services according to agency policy.

- Appropriately reports changes to ensure continuity of care and ensure quality and safe delivery of support services.

- Notifies supervisor immediately of any change in the client's condition or circumstances that might indicate the need for a change in duties assigned or that might require additional intervention.

- Communicates client's questions, concerns, needs and/or complaints to supervisors immediately.

- Maintains confidentiality of client information.

- Practices and implements infection control and safety measures and reports all hazards/accidents immediately.

- Utilizes proper body mechanics consistently.

- Communicates information regarding client household needs to appropriate individuals in a consistent and timely manner.

- Communicates to supervisor when client is hospitalized, absent from home, has moved residences and/or changed phone number.

- Demonstrates commitment, professional growth, and competency by:

- Attending basic orientation prior to being assigned in a client's home.

- Attending agency in-service training as required.

- Promotes the agency philosophy and administrative policies to ensure quality of care.

- Fulfills additional performance responsibilities as assigned and necessary.

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 18 years of age or, if under 18 years of age, be a high school graduate or enrolled in a vocational education program.

- Must Maintain a neat appearance.

- Must be dependable.

- Possess basic knowledge of personal care and home maintenance.

Experience:

- Have proof of competency through education and/or experience or demonstrates competency to perform tasks as assigned.

Licenses/Certifications:

N/A

Skills:

- Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and is competent to perform tasks assigned by supervisor.

- Demonstrates interest in the welfare of ill and elderly.

- Provide clients with personal care services

- Monitor and address other assigned tasks for the clients

- Provide feedback to the office on the client issues/concerns daily

- Maintain professionalism and courteous attitude

- Adhere to schedule and communicate any variances

- Utilize proper clock in and out procedure per EVV guidelines

- Adhere to MTI dress code, conduct code and policies

- Adhere to PCA list of DO's and DONT'S

Physical and Mental Requirements:

- Ability to lift 50 pounds.

- Use hands to grip or feel.

- Reach with hands and arms.

- Occasionally required to bend, stoop and kneel.

- Frequently required to stand on one's feet for a long period of time.

- Ability to deal effectively with stress.

Requirements

Physical Requirements: Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/oral communication. Ability to deal effectively with stress.

Working Conditions: Works in office areas as well as throughout Independent Living Facilities and residential homes. Sits, stands, bends, lift, and moves intermittently during working hours. Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions/circumstances. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, staff, visitors, etc. under all conditions/circumstances. Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects. May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and hepatitis B viruses. Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other unit supervisors. Maintains a liaison with residents, their families, support staff, etc. to assure that the residents' needs are continually met.

Qualifications: Successful completion of a competency evaluation. Have current Nursing Assistant certification OR have successfully completed a training program. Ability to care for the sick, have the maturity and ability to deal effectively with demands of the jobs. Must have the ability to read, write and carry out directions promptly and accurately. Experience in home health care or related field preferred.

Certification and License Requirements: Nursing Assistant certification OR have successfully completed a training program