PCA/Homecare Aide

HOMECARE COMPANY OF TENNESSEE LLC•Oak Ridge, TN

11d•$15 - $20•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. Openings are listed for full-time, part-time, and PRN pool schedules in locations including Kingston, Knoxville, Claxton, Loudon, and Oliver Springs. Pay starts at $15; PRN pool pay is $20 per hour. Listed shifts include 12-hour day or night shifts, varied hours, and specified days for some positions. The PCA assists with personal care and mobility, provides feeding and hydration assistance according to care plans, and promptly reports changes in a client’s condition to the supervising nurse. The role also includes light housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, approved errands or appointment accompaniment, care documentation, communication with the care team and family as appropriate, and protection of client confidentiality under HIPAA. Candidates must meet the stated employment and position qualifications, physical requirements, and agency competency evaluation requirements. Personal Care Attendants are expected to pass the 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 company to provide it.
Demonstrate a sympathetic attitude toward care of the sick.
Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and carry out directions.
Show maturity and the ability to deal effectively with job demands.
Have good verbal and written communication skills.
Have visual and hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written and verbal communication.
Be able to perform physical tasks that may involve heavy lifting, extensive bending, and standing.
Be able to bend and stand an average of 6 hours per day.
Be able to lift up to 50 to 75 pounds.
Be able to write up to 3 hours per day.
Be able to work in a stressful environment.
Be able to drive 50 to 100 miles per day.
Be able to assess and communicate with ill patients, coworkers, and the general public.
Maintain a neat appearance and good personal hygiene.
Pass the agency competency examination with at least 80%.
Demonstrate competency in communication; observation, reporting, and documentation; basic infection control and universal precautions; recognizing reportable changes in body function; maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe environment; recognizing emergencies and knowing emergency procedures; meeting the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of clients; respecting client privacy and property; personal hygiene and grooming; safe transfers and ambulation; range of motion and positioning; nutrition and fluid intake; and patient rights.

Responsibilities

Assist clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and oral hygiene.
Assist with transfers, positioning, and ambulation as directed by the RN.
Provide feeding and hydration assistance in accordance with client care plans.
Observe and promptly 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 help maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
Assist with meal preparation according to dietary guidelines from the RN or the client’s physician.
Provide companionship and emotional support to clients.
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.
Work under close supervision to ensure competence in providing patient care.
Pass the agency competency examination with a score of at least 80%.