Personal Care Aide

Casa Central • Chicago, IL

25d • $0 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the guidance of the Program Supervisor, the Personal Care Aide provides daily supervision and care to Adult Wellness Center (AWC) participants in a group setting and in accordance with Illinois Department on Aging Community Care Program Adult Day Services requirements. The role supports participants with activities of daily living and personal care, facilitates therapeutic and recreational programming, serves meals and snacks, helps maintain a clean and orderly environment, and may assist with transportation on agency vehicles. A working lunch is required to assist participants during lunchtime.

The aide monitors participants’ safety and wellbeing, supports their participation in program and community activities, completes requested reports and documentation, and communicates concerns or changing needs to the Program Supervisor. The position involves regular interaction with colleagues, participants, supervisors, participants’ families, and other agency staff. It is not eligible for remote work, and the employee must be able to work a flexible schedule.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED, two years of documented experience working in programs with older adults, or demonstrated continued progress toward meeting GED educational requirements.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is required.
• CPR certification is required; the agency may provide training for certification as needed.
• Must be willing to complete 24 hours of initial pre-service training and 12 hours of annual ongoing in-service training provided by the agency.
• Must be willing to complete transportation training provided by the agency.
• Must have at least high school- or GED-level math skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity, patience, a positive and supportive demeanor, effective and respectful communication, excellent interpersonal skills, tact, professional composure, and diplomacy.
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively, use sound judgment, and recognize issues warranting supervisory attention.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.
• Must work a flexible schedule and a working lunch to assist participants.
• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, frequently use hands, and lift and carry 25 pounds.
• Must comply with drug and alcohol screening and aptitude and skills testing.

Nice To Haves

• CNA certification is preferred.
• Prior work experience with older adult populations is strongly preferred.
• Some basic computer skills are preferred.
• Food Handler Certification may be required.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and assist participants, visitors, and caregivers arriving at the Adult Wellness Center.
• Assist participants with arrival and departure, coats, walkers, wheelchairs, activities of daily living, personal care, feeding, ambulation, transfers, handwashing, and movement within the Center; provide toileting assistance when needed in the absence of CNAs.
• Lead, execute, and direct daily educational, recreational, therapeutic, nutritional, and social activities under the direction of the Program Supervisor, encouraging participation and interaction.
• Monitor the Center environment for participant safety, maintain sanitary and clutter-free program areas, and promptly report hazards and risks.
• Provide pre-meal and post-meal assistance, help organize, prepare, and distribute meals and snacks, assist with feeding as needed, and clean dining areas.
• Monitor participants’ whereabouts and wellbeing, supervise them during less structured periods, and report changes or concerns in their emotional, social, cognitive, or physical functioning to the Program Supervisor.
• Assist with evaluation and documentation of participant progress and special needs as requested.
• Escort and assist participants on agency vehicles, including boarding and disembarking, securing seat belts and assistive devices, and escorting participants to and from residence entrances.
• Supervise and care for participants during field trips and other community activities, monitoring their safety.
• Assist in planning therapeutic and recreational activities and setting up rooms for daily programming.
• Keep assigned rooms and areas neat; clean up after activities and return items to their proper locations.
• Keep program areas, supplies, and equipment clean, stocked, replenished, and in good working order; communicate needs to the Program Assistant or Program Supervisor.
• Complete attendance, meal, participant activity, and other reports as requested; assist with special events and projects as needed.
• Participate in the agency’s Performance Quality Improvement process and activities, and incorporate agency mission, philosophy, and core values into work.
• Follow agency policies and procedures, Universal Precaution and Exposure Control Plan requirements, mandated reporting policy, and incident and critical-event reporting procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, monthly in-service training, and regular individual supervision; pursue ongoing professional development and maintain collaborative, professional relationships.
• Submit personal time sheets and remain accountable for daily activities within agency-approved activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED