Personal Care Attendant

**Personal Care Attendant**

**Personal Care Attendant**

The Personal Support Attendant provides personal care and related services in the home. He/she functions under the direction, instruction and supervision of the Choices Supervisor and the Clinical Manager and/or Administrator.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

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* 18 years of age or older

* Completion of the 9th grade; prefer high school graduate

* Completion of a basic training program consistent with state and federal requirements and for which a certificate was obtained

* Satisfactory performance on a competency evaluation

* Has the emotional and mental maturity necessary for establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with the client, clients family and the personnel of the Agency

* Has a reliable means of transportation

* Modify qualifications in accordance with individual state requirements

* Language skills sufficient to read and understand instructions, prepare and maintain written reports/records and communicate with clients

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RESPONSIBILITIES:

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Tasks to be performed by the personal support worker must be assigned by and performed under the supervision of the Choices Supervisor, or other designated supervisor.

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Each client has a Plan of care and the plan of care must be followed exactly as written. Any deviation from the plan of care must be approved by the supervisor prior to the duty being performed.

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Duties of the personal support worker may include:

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* Helps the client to maintain good personal hygiene

* Assists in maintaining a healthful, safe environment

* Plans and prepares nutritious meals

* Assists the client with ambulation

* Encourages the client to become as independent as possible according to the plan of care/person centered support plan

* Attempts to promote clients mental alertness through involvement in activities of interest

* Gives simple emotional and psychological support to the client and other members of the household

* Establishes a relationship with the client and family that transmits trust and confidentiality

* Prepares a report/note of the visit on the day it is performed and submits report/note daily or weekly as required by supervisor

* Reports any change in the clients mental or physical condition or in their home situation to his/her immediate supervisor

* Carries out his/her assignment as instructed by the supervisor and reports to the supervisor when he/she is unable to do so

* Works with personnel of other community agencies involved in the clients care as directed by the supervisor

* Performs routine housekeeping tasks as related to a safe and comfortable environment for the client, as instructed by the plan of care/person centered support plan and supervisor

* Attends/completes in-service training as assigned and required by state and federal guidelines

* Confirms on a weekly basis the scheduling of visits with the supervisor and coordinates necessary visits with other personnel

* Notifies supervisor when will be late or absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings which will affect agreed service with the Company.

* Follows all policies in the employee handbook.

* Practice infection control procedures and standard precautions that will protect themselves and clients from infectious diseases

* Firmly follow medication assistance duties for clients that receive the medication assistance service and report changes to immediate supervisor (do not administer medications.)

* Helps clients live independently at home by doing essential errands and purchasing items for them such as groceries, household items and medications at the pharmacy.

* Promptly complete money management paperwork for all errands. Forms are signed, dated and submitted to supervisor daily or weekly as requested.

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ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

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* The personal support worker reports directly to the scheduling supervisor and/or Choices supervisor.

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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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* Must have a reliable vehicle with current insurance coverage and a valid state drivers license.

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FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES:

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* May be required to lift/move patients independently using proper body mechanics and assistive devices

* Must be able to do extensive bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting, standing, or walking on a regular basis. Heavy lifting will be required

* Must be able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people

* Must be able to stoop and bend

* Must be able to travel to prospective clients residences

* Must be able to lift, turn, and transfer clients

* Must be able to read 12 point or larger type

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