Personal Care Attendant-PCA/CNA

Description

At High Desert PACE, our mission is to provide seniors with the care and support they need to age with dignity in their own homes. The Personal Care Attendant (PCA/CNA) plays a vital role in this mission. You are the primary heartbeat of our participant care, responsible for the daily safety, comfort, and well-being of our seniors. By assisting with clinical tasks and daily living activities, you ensure our participants feel seen, heard, and respected while supporting our licensed nursing team.

Requirements

Direct Participant Care & Clinical Support

• ADL Assistance: Provide compassionate support for activities of daily living, including feeding, ambulation, transfers, and personal hygiene (bathing/dressing).
• Vigilant Observation: Monitor participants for any emotional, behavioral, or physical changes such as shifts in mood, skin integrity, speech, or mobility and report findings immediately to the nursing team.
• Clinical Tasks: Perform non-sterile procedures and basic vitals (TPR/BP) as assigned under the supervision of licensed medical staff.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records of all participant care activities and observations.

Environment & Safety

• Safety Instruction: Educate participants on safety factors aligned with their specific care plans and recovery goals.
• Unit Maintenance: Ensure participant areas are clean, orderly, and stocked with necessary supplies. Maintain aseptic practices to ensure a healthy environment.
• Home Services: Provide essential homemaking services, including meal preparation (following dietary restrictions) and light housekeeping (laundry, dusting, vacuuming) as outlined in the care plan.

Communication & Coordination

• Responsive Support: Respond promptly to call lights and participant requests, ensuring needs are met with a "participant-first" mindset.
• Continuity of Care: Actively participate in team briefings to facilitate seamless transitions and consistent care for all seniors.
• Resource Management: Use equipment and supplies efficiently and alert management to any procedural or safety concerns.

Education & Training

• Certification: Valid California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license required.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED; completion of an accredited vocational nursing assistant course or equivalent hospital experience.
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with a frail or elderly population (personal or professional).

Skills & Abilities

• Clinical Skills: Proficiency in basic clinical tasks including Blood Pressure (BP), Temperature/Pulse/Respiration (TPR), and bed baths.
• Core Competencies: * Working knowledge of the PACE program and the unique needs of frail older adults.
• Ability to read, write, and follow complex instructions.
• The capacity to work independently and exercise sound judgment in fast-paced environments.

Working Conditions

The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Mobility: Must be able to perform physical tasks associated with senior care, including lifting, bending, and long periods of standing.
• Travel: Occasional travel between the Day Center, nursing/group homes, and participants' private residences.
• Transportation: Must possess a valid Driver’s License, a reliable personal vehicle, and proof of auto insurance (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Communication: May require the use of a personal cell phone for business coordination (stipend eligible).