Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Job Summary:

The Personal Care Assistant provides physical assistance and attendant care to participants across care settings (Center, home, transportation) as assigned. He/she assists with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). The Personal Care Assistant assists with non-skilled nursing care, restorative therapies, activities, and meals across care settings. He/she demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services to frail elder participants according to assigned responsibilities and PACE Program standards. He/she demonstrates time management, initiative where needed, and the character of being respectful to the participants, supervision, and to co-workers.

Shift Type: Full-Time

Language: Bilingual Spanish

Rate: $18 - $19/hour

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• PTO + 6 paid holidays
• 401k after 1 year of employment

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 1. Provides physical assistance and attendant care to participants across care settings (Center, home, community) as assigned.
• 2. Assists with mobility, utilizing proper ambulation and transfer assistance techniques, including but not limited to supervision assistance, contact guard assistance, hands-on assistance, and use of mechanical assistance.
• 3. Provides basic personal care assistance and/or supervision (bathing, dressing, grooming, mouth care, toileting, eating/feeding) and assistance with any other Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
• 4. Accompanies participants to medical and other appointments. Assists on the transportation bus as needed.
• 5. Assists with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) across care settings (laundry, shopping, medication management, light meal preparation, homemaking, light cleaning, and other chore services).
• 6. Assists with restorative therapies, activities, and meals across care settings.
• 7. Assists with the ambulation, transfer, and range of motion (ROM) needs of participants as determined by and under the direction of the Physical and/or Occupational Therapist and/or Home Care Coordinator.
• 8. Provides skin care with intact skin (non-prescription applications/lotions).
• 9. Applies: Jobst stockings, TED stockings, assistive devices.
• 10. Assists in preparation, serving, and cleaning up after congregate feeding meals and snacks, both regular and special diet.
• 11. Leads games, singing, discussions, and other activities under the direction of the Activities Coordinator.
• 12. Assists in keeping the PACE Center in a clean and orderly condition, including showers, bathrooms, kitchen, and activities areas.
• 13. Participates in the activities of the Interdisciplinary Team, as needed, and carries out the plan of care, as directed.
• 14. Notes changes in participants’ physical or emotional health and communicates this information to the appropriate staff person.
• 15. Reports noted changes in participants’ abilities for self-care to the supervisor and the Interdisciplinary Team. Documents all services clearly and completely.
• 16. Maintains standard records of work performed.
• 17. Knows and adheres to the philosophy and goals of the PACE Program.
• 18. Maintains a quiet and safe environment for participants, visitors, and staff.
• 19. Keeps confidentiality of enrollee records, reports, and discussions.
• 20. Utilizes supplies and equipment economically.

Qualifications:

• 1. Education:
  • a. Completion of a Personal Care Aide training program approved by the State of Delaware, or an approved equivalency test, OR
  • b. Completion of a Home Health Aide program or a Certified Nurse’s Aide program, OR
  • c. Extensive experience may be acceptable in place of training
• 2. Experience:
  • a. Experience as a homemaker, Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, or Nursing Assistant is preferred
  • b. At least one year experience with a frail or elderly population required
• 3. Special Training:
  • a. Interdisciplinary teamwork - ability to work effectively with culturally, economically and educationally diverse populations, and form positive interpersonal relations in dealing with a wide range of staff and participants is essential.
  • b. Ability to assist with personal care at home and in the Center, including assisting with wheelchair and ambulatory transfers
  • c. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.
  • d. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• 4. Age of Patients Rendered Care:
  • a. Adult and geriatric patients
• *** Freedom from illegal use of drugs, and freedom from use and effects of use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
• *** Persons who have been found guilty by a court of law of abusing, neglecting or mistreating individuals in a healthcare-related setting are ineligible for employment in this position.

Knowledge and Skills:

• 1. Ability to perform houehold duties, and go into the participant's home as needed.
• 2. Initiative and resourcefulness.
• 3. Use of discretion, tact, patience and good judgement.
• 4. Empathetic and compassionate attitude in caring for the elderly.
• 5. Ability to understand and carry out non-technical verbal and written directions, record messages, and keep records.
• 6. Ability to get along well with others and gain the cooperation of the participants.
• 7. Able to handle difficult situations in a professional manner.
• 8. Routine work involving the personal care and program activities of participants.
• 9. Proven record of excellent attendance.
• 10. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with others in a team environment.
• 11. Ability to act as an advocate for the frail elderly.
• 12. Able to provide and encourage excellent customer service to participants.
• 13. Able to read, write and understand both English and Spanish.