Personal Care Assistant, PACE Center

Job Title: Personal Care Assistant

Job Summary: The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides physical assistance and attendant care to participants across various settings (day center, transportation, and home). The PCA supports Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), assists with non-skilled nursing care, restorative therapies, and meal support. This position requires knowledge and skills to assist frail elderly participants, meeting the standards of the PACE Program. The PCA reports to the Center Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide physical assistance and attendant care to participants in the center, during transportation, and at home.
2. Assist with mobility, including supervision, contact guard assistance, hands-on assistance, and the use of mechanical aids.
3. Assist with personal care tasks (bathing, dressing, grooming, mouth care, toileting, feeding) and other ADLs as needed.
4. Accompany participants to medical and other appointments.
5. Assist with IADLs, including laundry, shopping, medication management, light meal preparation, homemaking, and light cleaning.
6. Assist with relearning household skills under the guidance of the Center Director, Occupational Therapist, and/or Home Care Coordinator, based on the participant’s activity level.
7. Support restorative therapies, activities, and meals across care settings.
8. Assist with ambulation, transfers, and range of motion (ROM) exercises under the direction of Physical and/or Occupational Therapists.
9. Provide skin care for participants with intact skin, using non-prescription lotions or applications.
10. Apply assistive devices such as Jobst stockings and TED stockings.
11. Assist in meal preparation, serving, and cleanup, ensuring both regular and special diets are followed.
12. Lead or assist with recreational activities, such as games, singing, and discussions, under the guidance of the Recreation Therapist or Activities Director.
13. Maintain a clean and orderly PACE Center, including showers, bathrooms, kitchen, and activity areas.
14. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Home Care Coordinator, PACE Rehab, or Center Director.
15. Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Team to carry out participant care plans.
16. Observe and report changes in participants' physical or emotional health to the Center Director.
17. Document all services clearly and completely, noting any changes in the participant's abilities or care needs.
18. Maintain standard records of work performed.
19. Uphold the philosophy and goals of the PACE Program.
20. Ensure a quiet and safe environment for participants, visitors, and staff.
21. Maintain confidentiality of participant records and information.
22. Use supplies and equipment efficiently.
23. Report unusual occurrences and service delivery issues to the Center Director.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Completion of a Personal Care Aide training program approved by the State of Delaware, or an equivalent certification.
  • Alternatively, completion of a Home Health Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant program, or substantial experience in a related field.

• Experience:

  • Experience as a Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, or Nursing Assistant preferred.
  • At least one year of experience working with frail or elderly populations is preferred.

• Special Training:

  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and form positive relationships with staff and participants.
  • Competence in providing personal care at home and in the center, including assisting with wheelchair and ambulatory transfers.
  • Ability to perform essential duties with minimal supervision.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Age of Patients:

  • Adult and geriatric participants.

Additional Requirements:

• Substance-Free: Must be free from the illegal use of drugs and alcohol.
• Background Check: Ineligible if found guilty of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating individuals in a healthcare setting.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to perform housekeeping and light maintenance tasks.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to use discretion, tact, patience, and good judgment.
• Empathetic and compassionate attitude towards elderly participants.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, and document care provided.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with participants and staff.
• Proven attendance record and professionalism in handling difficult situations.
• Ability to advocate for frail elderly individuals.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Uniform:

• PACE Your LIFE navy shirt with black or tan pants and closed-toe shoes.
• Scrubs (not provided by PACE Your LIFE) with closed-toe shoes.