Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

About the Role

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) serves as a vital support system for elderly, disabled adults, and children, focusing on enhancing their quality of life through non-medical assistance. This role is designed to help clients maintain independence and safety within their own homes by providing compassionate care for daily living activities.

While the PCA is not permitted to perform skilled medical services, the position requires a keen eye for monitoring the client's general condition. Similar to a family member, the PCA observes and reports apparent changes in the client's health or well-being to the supervising Registered Nurse (RN). Additionally, while the PCA does not administer medication, they play a supportive role by reminding clients of scheduled times and handing the medicine container to the client.

Training and Supervision

Candidates may enter this role with formal certification (such as a Certified Nurse Assistant) or through in-house formal training. Regardless of prior experience, all PCAs undergo competency and assessment by an experienced RN or an experienced LPN with at least three years of experience. Training and ongoing supervision are directed by an RN.

To ensure the highest standard of care, PCA services are subject to supervisory assessments 30 days after initiation and at least every 90 days thereafter. One of these assessments requires the PCA to be present in the client's home.

Essential Responsibilities

The core of this position involves supporting activities of daily living and providing home support. Key duties include:

• Daily Living Support: Assisting with eating, bathing (bed bath, bench shower, sink/sponge bath), personal grooming, hygiene, and skincare. The role also includes meal planning and preparation, as well as assisting clients with mobility, such as getting in and out of bed, repositioning, and ambulation.
• Home Management: Maintaining a safe and clean environment through cleaning, laundry, shopping, and running errands.
• Continence Care: Assisting with toileting and maintaining continence.

Application and Qualifications

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific minimum qualifications, including a high school diploma or GED equivalent, effective communication skills, and the ability to use the Care Call IVR system. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, fully ambulatory, and capable of following a care plan with minimal supervision. A valid driver's license or reliable means of transportation is required.

Successful candidates must pass competency testing or complete a competency training and evaluation program performed by an RN or LPN prior to providing services. Additional training may be required based on SCDHHS, Medicaid Scope of Services, SCDDSN, and Veterans Affairs regulations.

Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and personnel may be asked to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.