PCA/Homecare Aide

HOMECARE COMPANY OF TENNESSEE LLC•Oak Ridge, TN

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides non-medical, hands-on assistance to clients in their homes under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). The role supports clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to promote safety, comfort, and independence, while maintaining a compassionate and professional environment that respects each client’s dignity and privacy. The PCA assists with personal care, mobility, feeding and hydration, light housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, and approved errands or appointment transportation. The PCA observes and reports changes in clients’ physical or emotional condition, documents care and observations, communicates with the supervising nurse and care team, and protects confidential client information in accordance with HIPAA regulations. The role requires close supervision and successful completion of the agency’s competency examination with a score of at least 80%.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.
Must have reliable transportation without needing another person or the company to provide it.
Demonstrated sympathetic attitude toward care of the sick.
Ability to read, write, and carry out directions.
Maturity and ability to deal effectively with job demands.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work closely supervised to ensure competence in providing patient care.
Visual and hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written and verbal communication.
Ability to perform physical tasks that may involve heavy lifting and extensive bending and standing.
Ability to bend and stand an average of 6 hours per day.
Ability to lift up to 50 to 75 pounds.
Ability to write up to 3 hours per day.
Ability to work in a stressful environment.
Ability to drive 50 to 100 miles per day.
Ability to assess and communicate with ill patients, coworkers, and the general public.
Neat appearance and good personal hygiene.
Must pass the agency competency examination with a score of at least 80%.

Responsibilities

Assist clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and oral hygiene.
Support mobility, including transfers, positioning, and ambulation, as directed by the RN.
Assist with feeding and hydration according to client care plans.
Observe and immediately report changes in a client’s physical or emotional condition to the supervising nurse.
Perform light housekeeping, including laundry, dusting, dishwashing, and changing linens, to maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
Prepare meals according to dietary guidelines provided by the RN or the client’s physician.
Provide companionship and emotional support.
Run errands or accompany clients to appointments when approved and assigned.
Document care provided and client observations accurately in daily visit notes.
Communicate with the supervising nurse, care team members, and family members as necessary.
Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Complete mandatory annual in-services and/or training.
Participate in professional meetings when directed.
Pass the agency competency examination with a score of at least 80%.
Follow appropriate infection-control and universal-precaution procedures, recognize emergencies, and follow emergency procedures.
Use safe personal hygiene, grooming, transfer, and ambulation techniques, and support clients’ nutrition, fluid intake, rights, privacy, and property.