Personal Care Assistant Lead

Worcester County Developmental Center•Newark, NJ

About The Position

This non-exempt role is part of a Cross-Functional Team and provides personal care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Personal Care Assistant Lead helps ensure individuals are healthy and safe and can participate in activities that contribute to a meaningful day. The position combines lead responsibilities with direct support duties, including coaching staff, supporting person-centered care, maintaining required training and documentation, and transporting clients as needed. The full-time schedule is Monday through Friday, with availability required between 6:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. The stated salary is $20.38 per hour.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
Must have a valid driver's license; provisional licenses are not accepted.
Must be approved to transport clients and have a driving record reflecting responsibility and maturity.
Must successfully complete all DDA Core Training.
Must pass and maintain DOT certification.
Must be able to stand and walk for 90% of work time and sit and/or drive for 10%.
Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull 60 pounds; stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach; climb stairs or a ladder; and maintain good balance.
Must have vision adequate for driving.
Must pass and maintain certifications in Med Tech when required for medication administration, CPR, First Aid, Mandt, special-needs training, and other related training required by DDA and WCDC.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.
Five years of related experience in human services.
CNA certification.

Responsibilities

Obtain and maintain Certified Medication Technician (CMT) certification, required for administering medication.
Ensure staff effectively implement and follow training materials for individuals; provide coworkers with constructive feedback and timely guidance.
Help establish client groups that meet specified ratios and client objectives.
Train and support staff in providing personal care assistance.
Support staff and clients in using coping strategies described in Mandt training and behavior support plans.
Encourage colleagues in their client interactions and organize small- and large-group events that foster positive experiences.
Collaborate with coworkers and administration to achieve client and organizational objectives.
Ensure staff training and documentation are current and groups consistently maintain appropriate ratios.
Keep DOT licensing current, stay informed about transportation routes, and cover transportation runs when necessary.
Provide personal care, including toileting, changing soiled clothing, showering as needed, hygiene, feeding, and ambulating assistance.
Treat clients with dignity and respect and act professionally in keeping with the WCDC mission, vision, and guiding principles.
Develop mutual respect and understanding with clients and help them meet their needs and goals as independently as possible.
Remain attentive to clients’ needs, counsel and encourage them, and enable informed choices.
Understand and follow care plans, person-centered plans, behavior plans, and other individual-specific training.
Use safe practices and appropriate devices, including gait belts and mechanical lifts.
Maintain participant records in accordance with regulations and established policies and procedures.
Observe and report changes in participants’ attitudes, health, or needs.
Participate in program planning, develop activities, and adapt activities to different ability levels.
Work cooperatively with art and activity staff and assist clients with art and activity projects.
Create a positive, accepting environment where clients can express themselves and thrive.
Maintain DOT certification, safely transport clients to and from the day program and outside activities or events, and follow traffic laws.
Work with clients in their homes when requested due to day-program closure, client illness, or similar circumstances.
Transport clients to medical appointments as needed.
Communicate formally and informally with primary and associate supervisors about program activities and concerns, and follow the chain of command.
Work cooperatively with other staff to create an encouraging atmosphere that supports client development.
Pass and maintain required certifications and training, including Med Tech when medication administration is required, CPR, First Aid, Mandt, special-needs training, and other training required by DDA and WCDC.
Perform other duties as assigned.