Personal Care Attendant

University of Vermont Health Network•Colchester, VT

3d•$17 - $21

About The Position

To assist clients and their families in their homes with non-medical directed personal care and home management tasks, including support of clients with dressing, bathing, grooming, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, transportation, toileting, and mobility

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required plus the University of Vermont Health Network Home Health & Hospice PCA Training program (either 1 day for experienced recruits or full PCA training for recruits with no previous experience)
Personal Care Attendants must successfully complete PCA coursework and pass the required exam.
N/A
Must demonstrate and maintain any required competency
Able to speak, read and write in English
Be honest, self-directed, possess initiative, display good judgment and a positive attitude toward daily activities
Have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in written work
Be able to work cooperatively and in a productive manner with organization’s employees, clients, customers and the general public
Maintain satisfactory standing with the Adult Abuse Registry, Child Abuse & Neglect Registry, Vermont Criminal Information Center and OIG
Be free from the illegal use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace
Be able to carry out the functions of this job without risk of harm to the health and safety of self and others
Hold a valid driver’s license and have a reliable, registered vehicle with insurance as required by the organization, and appropriate to position
Must walk, sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during working hours
Must have the ability to push, pull and lift from the floor, up to a total of 50 pounds and be able to move with the weight, as to organization’s standards
Climbing-be able to navigate stairs of varying heights and degrees
Balancing-be able to maintain balance
Kneeling, crouching, stooping, twisting, reaching below waist level, reaching overhead and reaching torso level
Manual finger dexterity-will need dexterity to perform duties and use equipment
Visual acuity-will need sufficient eyesight to drive a car, use office equipment and perform duties
Auditory acuity- will need to assist individuals in person and by telephone

Responsibilities

Communicate with clients to assure that client needs are addressed promptly, accurately, and with care; practice advanced communication skills, including as it applies to mental illness and advanced stages of dementia
Assist in personal care of clients, such as dressing, bathing and personal hygiene
Assist with toileting, such as providing incontinent care, use of bedpan, and urinal
Perform light housekeeping tasks, such as straightening, dish washing, and laundry
Grocery shop, plan and prepare basic meals for clients
Provide mobility assistance such as cane/wheelchair/walker assistance and client transfer assistance using Hoyer and Sara lifts, track systems, pivots, and other technical devices
Demonstrate awareness of spinal cord and neurological conditions and identify complications of autonomic dysreflexia
Observe and report changes in client condition to office
Prepare and maintain organization required records of client status and services performed, including Telephony if applicable
Drive to and from client houses and record applicable mileage and travel time
Carry out treatment as directed by supervisor according to the care plan
Accompany clients to doctor’s offices, grocery shopping and on other necessary errands outside the home, providing transportation, assistance, and companionship according to program regulations
Support basic living skills, support independence
Assist in maintaining a safe environment for clients
Provide assistance with advanced positioning with bedbound clients
Participate in in-services and meetings of the organization
Practice standard precautions in accordance with OSHA standards
Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Higher level care may be taught by the supervisor on a case to case basis for that client only
Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and values of the organization
Complies with all organization policies and procedures
Demonstrates respectful and effective communication in all interactions
Protects the privacy and confidentiality of clients, co-workers and organization’s operations
Complies with organization’s policies to protect confidentiality, integrity, availability and security of all protected health information
Organization’s security official
Conducts him/herself in a safe manner by adhering to all safety practices, rules and standards
Demonstrates a commitment to quality and proactively seeks to make improvements to systems and processes
Reports to work on time, provides advance notice for time off, accurately reports time and attendance and appropriately manages paid time off (if applicable) in accordance with organization’s policy
Demonstrates a commitment to integrity in work habits and use of organization’s resources
Performs duties as assigned that may be outside his/her principle responsibilities
Meets own learning needs. Participates in educational programs of the organization, including completion of all mandatory competencies, education or training
Effectively communicates to transfer information, provide guidance and resolve conflicts
Reports concerns and complaints regarding abuse, neglect and exploitation in accordance with Vermont State Law and the organization
Enhance or improve organization’s services by participating in team meetings, projects and committees
Contributes to a positive work environment and responds in a constructive manner to change
Documents the provision care and services in accordance to organization’s policy