Personal Care Assistant

Worcester County Developmental Center•Newark, MD

52d

About The Position

The Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC) is committed to empowering adults with developmental and physical disabilities to participate in the community and achieve their highest level of economic and social independence. The Personal Care Assistant works as part of a Cross-Functional Team and provides personal care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping ensure they are healthy, safe, and able to participate in a meaningful day. This is a non-exempt position paying $19.00 per hour. The Monday–Friday schedule requires full-time staff to be available between 6:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

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 that reflects responsibility and maturity.
Must successfully complete all DDA Core Training.
Must pass and maintain DOT certification.
High school diploma or GED required.
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.
Vision is required in order to drive.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals with personal care, including toileting, changing soiled clothing, showering when needed, personal hygiene, feeding, and ambulating.
Treat clients with dignity and respect and act professionally in keeping with WCDC's 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 sensitive to clients' needs, counsel them to recognize their abilities and uniqueness, and enable informed choices.
Understand and follow each client's care plans, person-centered plans, behavior plans, and individual-specific training.
Maintain Department of Transportation certification, transport clients safely to and from the day program and outside activities or events, and follow traffic laws.
Use safe practices with gait belts, mechanical lifts, and other appropriate devices.
Maintain participant records in accordance with regulations and established policies and procedures.
Note 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 support clients in completing projects.
Create a positive and accepting atmosphere where clients can express themselves and thrive.
Work with clients in their homes when requested due to day program closure, client illness, or other circumstances.
Transport clients to and from medical appointments as needed.
Communicate formally and informally with the primary and associate supervisors about program activities and concerns, and follow the chain of command.
Work cooperatively with other staff to encourage and maximize 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.