Personal Care Aide

About the Role

The Personal Care Aide (PCA) is a paraprofessional member of the client care team who works under the scheduling supervision of the Client Care Coordinator and clinical supervision of a registered nurse or Clinical Manager. The PCA provides selected personal care services and limited related household tasks as part of the client’s plan of care, following a physician’s order.

Responsibilities

• Implement and provide day-to-day Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) support to clients within their home, as ordered by the physician’s plan of treatment and client’s plan of care.
• Assist clients with activities of daily living and personal care, including:
  • Baths (tub, shower, bed)
  • Mouth care, denture care, skin care, foot care (no toenail cutting)
  • Grooming (shampoo, comb hair, shave, file nails)
  • Dressing and undressing activities
  • Elimination (toilet, commode, urinal, bedpan)
  • Transfers
  • Ambulation with or without mechanical aids
  • Therapy exercises under the direction of a Registered Therapist
• Assist with household tasks directly related to the client’s health and in accordance with the care plan:
  • Maintenance of a clean, safe, and healthy environment
  • Planning and preparing meals according to specific dietary requirements
  • Light housekeeping of client’s immediate environment
  • Laundry of client’s bedding and clothing
  • Assistance with shopping, errands, and appointments outside the home
  • Providing companionship and stimulation (e.g., reading, walks)
  • Accompanying the client to doctors or other appointments
• Utilize equipment in an appropriate and safe manner.
• Remind clients to self-administer medication (do not administer medications).
• Accurately document shift details and services within established time parameters.
• Ensure the safety of clients and self; follow Universal Precautions and safe hand washing techniques.
• Observe and report changes in the client’s physical, emotional, and mental status to the agency coordinator, supervisor, and designated representative.
• Maintain and improve skills through staff development programs and in-service education.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Current certification/registration with the Licensing Board or Department in the state of practice.
• Current PCA certification.
• Compliance with all existing regulations and company policies.
• CPR preferred and may be required for some clients.
• Ability to meet transportation, language, and cultural requirements specific to branch needs.
• Sympathetic attitude toward the care of the sick, ability to read, write, and carry out directions, and maturity to deal effectively with job demands.

Additional Requirements

• Bi-lingual – English/Spanish a plus.

Hours of Work: Varies on a case-by-case basis, variable hour employee.

Physical Requirements

• Routinely required to sit, stand, and walk on variable surfaces, including occasional climbing of ramps or stairs.
• Routinely required to use hands for various tasks, including gripping and handling objects.
• Occasionally required to reach beyond mid-line, overhead, or at chest level.
• Specific vision abilities: close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Ability to stoop and bend up to 2.5 hours per 8-hour shift.