personal care aide

Job Description

Job Description

mployer: ON POINT HOME CARE LLC
Position: Personal Care Aide (PCA)
Department: Direct Care Services
Reports To: Registered Nurse (RN) Supervisor and Administrator
Employment Status: Full-Time / Part-Time / PRN
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Effective Date: ___________________

Job Summary

The Personal Care Aide (PCA) provides non-medical, hands-on assistance and support services to clients in their homes to help them maintain independence, safety, dignity, and quality of life. Services are provided in accordance with the individualized Plan of Care, physician's orders (when applicable), agency policies, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regulations, and Medicaid requirements.

The PCA performs only those tasks authorized by the agency and identified in the client's Plan of Care. The PCA does not perform skilled nursing services or any task requiring a professional nursing license.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Successful completion of an approved Personal Care Aide training program or meet Virginia Medicaid/agency qualifications.
• Current CPR certification (preferred or as required).
• Negative TB screening as required by state regulations.
• Criminal background check and all required employment screenings.
• Reliable transportation.
• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance if transporting clients.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Personal Care Services

• Assist with bathing and personal hygiene.
• Assist with dressing and grooming.
• Assist with toileting and incontinence care.
• Assist with oral hygiene.
• Assist with hair and skin care.
• Assist with shaving when appropriate.
• Assist with mobility and ambulation.
• Assist with transfers using proper body mechanics.
• Assist with positioning to prevent skin breakdown.
• Assist with eating and hydration when needed.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Encourage client independence whenever possible.
• Assist with range-of-motion exercises as instructed.
• Observe for changes in physical condition.
• Report concerns immediately to the supervising nurse.

Homemaker Services

• Meal planning and preparation.
• Light housekeeping.
• Laundry and linen changes.
• Make beds.
• Wash dishes.
• Clean kitchen after meals.
• Clean bathroom areas used by the client.
• Vacuum and sweep areas used by the client.
• Take out household trash.
• Grocery shopping when authorized.
• Pick up prescriptions when authorized.
• Assist with organizing household items.

Companion Services

• Provide companionship and emotional support.
• Encourage social interaction.
• Accompany clients to medical appointments when authorized.
• Encourage participation in community activities.
• Assist with reminders for appointments.

Safety Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe home environment.
• Report hazards immediately.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Utilize proper body mechanics.
• Follow emergency procedures.
• Report accidents and incidents immediately.
• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.

Documentation Responsibilities

• Complete all required visit documentation before the end of each shift.
• Accurately document services provided.
• Record arrival and departure times.
• Report missed visits immediately.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Submit documentation according to agency policy.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional appearance.
• Arrive on time for scheduled assignments.
• Notify scheduling staff promptly if unable to report to work.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and in-service training.
• Maintain required certifications and continuing education.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Respect clients' rights, dignity, privacy, and cultural preferences.
• Maintain professional boundaries.

Prohibited Duties

The PCA shall not :

• Administer medications unless specifically authorized by law and agency policy.
• Perform sterile procedures.
• Change sterile dressings.
• Insert or remove catheters.
• Perform wound care requiring skilled nursing.
• Administer injections.
• Perform assessments.
• Accept gifts or money from clients.
• Handle client finances unless specifically authorized in writing.
• Perform duties outside the Plan of Care.
• Transport clients without agency approval and appropriate insurance.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Lift up to 50 pounds with assistance as needed.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach for extended periods.
• Assist clients with transfers.
• Push and pull wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment.
• Travel between client homes.

Working Conditions

• Client homes.
• Variable environmental conditions.
• Possible exposure to infectious diseases.
• Evening, weekend, holiday, and emergency assignments may be required.

Performance Expectations

The PCA is expected to:

• Deliver safe, compassionate, and reliable care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Comply with HIPAA and all confidentiality requirements.
• Follow the client's Plan of Care.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and the interdisciplinary team.
• Promote client independence while ensuring safety.

Acknowledgment

I have read and understand the duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the Personal Care Aide position. I agree to perform my duties in accordance with agency policies, applicable federal and Virginia regulations, and the client's individualized Plan of Care.