Personal Care Attendant

Job summary

Provide supportive and personal services to clients with consideration for dignity and privacy, and provide personal care and hygiene to personal assistance clients.

Qualifications & requirements

1. Graduate of an accredited high school or GED preferred.
2. Ability to read, write, and follow directions.
3. At least 16 years of age and has demonstrated competency.
4. Has completed agency training, or has verified experience providing home care tasks to consumers and has passed a competency evaluation.
5. Works positively and favorably with clients, families, and staff.
6. Demonstrates compassion, responsibility, and a cheerful attitude.
7. Able to demonstrate competency in all areas of training for personal care.

Responsibilities & essential functions

The person in this position must be able to perform the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Follow the instructions of the Director of Client Services in providing personal assistance services.
2. Provide assistance with hygiene such as bathing, oral care, and dressing.
3. Assist with food preparation; serve food; perform errands; provide light housekeeping; do laundry; and wash dishes.
4. Observe and maintain the home environment to ensure the safety and security of the consumer.
5. Assist with household chores including cooking and meal preparation, cleaning, and laundry.
6. Assist in completing activities such as shopping and appointments outside the home.
7. Provide companionship including, but not limited to, social interaction, conversation, emotional reassurance, and encouragement of reading, writing, and activities that stimulate the mind.
8. Assist with activities of daily living, personal care, and any other assignments included in the service plan.
9. Sit with the client to allow for caregiver respite.
10. Provide housekeeping to include at least the following:
    • Wash dishes
    • Vacuum
    • Laundry
    • Empty trash
    • Change linen
    • Make bed
    • Mopping
11. Complete appropriate service notes regarding service provision each visit. Documentation shall contain the services provided, date and time in and out, and confirmation that care was provided, according to agency policy.
12. Have knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
13. Observe and report any safety hazards found in the client’s home, as well as any significant observations regarding the client.
14. Report client complaints to the Personal Care Aide Supervisor.
15. Be trained in first aid.
16. Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA requirements and the agency policy and procedures manual.
17. Be able to follow written and oral instructions.
18. Report abnormal findings in the client’s condition, as observed and per the service plan, to the Supervisor.

Work environment & physical requirements

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical elements

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, or other communication capabilities (with or without reasonable accommodation), to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation (with or without reasonable accommodation) to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard-copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity (with or without reasonable accommodation) to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other related equipment.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes (with or without reasonable accommodation) to safely lift, move, or maneuver whatever may be necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes (with or without reasonable accommodation) to function efficiently in a general work environment, with frequent travel to a variety of field sites.

Environmental elements

Employees may interact with upset clients and/or families, and must maintain composure while following agency policies and procedures.

Employees travel to a variety of client homes and work in conditions that vary greatly depending on the home environment. Some homes will be clean, neat, and at a comfortable temperature; others may be cluttered, dirty, or at an uncomfortable temperature.

The above list reflects the essential functions and other job functions considered necessary for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job or assigned by supervisory personnel. This job description is used as a guide only and is not inclusive of all responsibilities and job duties.