PACE Personal Care Assistant

8:30a-5p, M-F

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the PACE Nursing Staff, the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) is responsible for the delivery of personal care and related services to PACE participants in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and in accordance with the plan of care (POC). Assigned participants are primarily in the home setting but may also be in other settings such as a day center, long-term care facility, assisted living facility or hospital.

Position Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) by adhering to the participant Plan of Care (POC); coordinates with other PACE disciplines as well as participant/family and caregiver and communicates participant changes to the Center Manager or Clinical Staff.
• Meets participant’s personal hygiene and basic needs in a timely and caring manner.
• Assists participants with activities of daily living, such as feeding, ambulation and other activities.
• Maintains unit supplies, prepares patient rooms and medical records, enters charges, and answers the multi-line telephone to assist in the safe and efficient operation of the unit.
• Answers questions about treatment plan within the expected scope or refers questions to clinical staff.
• May escort participants to outside appointments.
• Obtains information from participants as directed by the nursing staff.
• Provides services promoting a safe and clean patient environment.
• Knowledgeable of participant rights and ensures an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of all participants in a safe, secure environment; utilizes established mechanisms for management of ethical issues in participant care.
• Works with interdisciplinary teams to assure effective, cost-efficient care.
• Completes documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Displays ability to interact professionally and respectfully with geriatric individuals including those with cognitive decline and/or physical frailties.
• Observes each participant for changes in physical, mental, emotional and social functioning and reports such changes to the Center Manager or Clinical Staff.
• Cleans and straightens immediate participant surroundings ensuring that the participant is comfortable, necessary supplies are available and within reach, and physical privacy is maintained.
• Assists in maintaining an orderly, clean participant care unit by straightening supply and linen storage, nursing station and equipment area.
• Participates in social and recreation activities with participants as appropriate.
• Implements interventions, as appropriate to training, as directed by rehabilitation staff, including the use of mechanical assistance for participant transfers and mobility.
• Provides homemaking services including preparing and serving meals and snacks according to specified nutritional needs and dietary restrictions as outlined on the plan of care. Performs light housekeeping tasks as outlined on plan of care including vacuuming, mopping, dusting, taking out trash, washing dishes and doing laundry.
• Accepts other duties as assigned by the Nursing Staff and within the scope of practice.

Position Qualifications:

• High school diploma preferred.
• One year home health aide experience preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population or must receive appropriate training upon hire.
• Use of technology-based tools, including electronic medical records, preferred.
• Must maintain CPR certification.
• Must have a valid driver’s license in accordance to policy with proof of automobile insurance required.
• Knowledge of safety and infection control requirements for healthcare facilities.
• Knowledge of medical equipment use and maintenance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Proof of medical clearance for communicable diseases, including a TB test.