Personal Care Aide

Avid Health at Home•Highland, IL

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Personal Care Aide (PCA) is a paraprofessional member of the client care team who provides selected personal care services and limited related household tasks as part of the client’s plan of care and under a physician’s order. The PCA works under the scheduling supervision of the Client Care Coordinator and clinical supervision of a registered nurse or Clinical Manager, and reports to the Clinical Manager. The role provides day-to-day Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) support in clients’ homes. Services may include personal care, household tasks related to the client’s health, companionship, and assistance with errands and appointments. The PCA documents services and shift details, observes and reports changes in clients’ conditions, follows safety and confidentiality requirements, and does not administer medications.

Requirements

Current certification or registration with the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Current PCA certification.
Compliance with all existing regulations and company policies.
A sympathetic attitude toward the care of the sick.
Ability to read, write, and carry out directions.
Maturity to deal effectively with the demands of the job.
Ability to meet transportation, language, and cultural requirements specific to branch needs.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
Ability to stoop and bend for up to 2.5 hours per 8-hour shift.
Ability to routinely sit, stand, and walk on variable surfaces, including occasional climbing of ramps or stairs or use of foot controls.
Ability to routinely use hands for tasks including operating hand controls, gripping, and handling objects; sometimes reach beyond the mid-line of the body or overhead or at chest level.
Vision abilities including close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Use universal safety precautions when performing assigned tasks.

Nice To Haves

CPR certification is preferred and may be required for some clients.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide ADL and IADL support within clients’ homes according to the physician’s plan of treatment and the client’s plan of care.
Assist with or perform personal care, including bathing, mouth and denture care, skin and foot care (without toenail cutting), grooming, and dressing or undressing.
Assist with elimination, transfers, and ambulation, with or without mechanical aids.
Assist clients with therapy exercises under the direction of a Registered Therapist.
Perform household tasks directly related to the client’s health and care plan, including maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment; planning and preparing meals according to dietary requirements; feeding if necessary; light housekeeping; and laundry of the client’s bedding and clothing.
Assist clients with shopping, grocery trips, errands, and appointments outside the home.
Provide companionship and stimulation, such as reading and walks, and accompany clients to doctors’ or other appointments.
Use equipment appropriately and safely.
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 demonstrate safe hand-washing techniques.
Observe clients’ general physical, emotional, and mental status and immediately report changes in condition, family situation, or incidents to the agency coordinator, supervisor, and client’s designated representative as instructed by the employer.
Maintain and improve skills through staff development programs and required in-service education.
Maintain confidentiality, comply with HIPAA regulations and agency policies and procedures, and interact courteously and compassionately with clients, families, employees, physicians, visitors, and community members.
Perform other duties as assigned.