Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Job Description
Strive Center Direct Service Worker (DSW)
(Non-Exempt)
The Strive Center DSW is employed by the Executive Director to work individually & collectively with clients on their individual service plan and to provide as typical an atmosphere as to the needs and age of the program participant. The DSW shall be responsive to the desires of program participants and their families.
Qualifications & Requirements:
1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Direct Service Worker certification or eligible for certification.
3. Three references, preferably employment references, one of which is the most recent employer.
4. A valid driver’s license.
5. Assist with lifting of at least 100 pounds 30% of time.
Responsibilities and Duties: General Duties
6. Maintains professional work performance. i.e., punctual, arranges leave time appropriately, presents professional appearance, accomplishes job-related activities with minimal supervision, adheres to agency’s policies & procedures, shows loyalty to agency, demonstrates ethical behavior with participants & others, adjusts to changing situations, meets annual training requirements, etc.
7. Provides 24-hour emergency assistance to program participants and their families as needed.
8. Actively participates in planning & attainment of program/agency goals.
9. Solicits on-going feedback from program participants, funding sources & community members.
10. Completes and maintains effective paperwork in a timely manner.
11. Promotes positive work atmosphere.
12. Manages work in a cost effective manner.
13. Treats all individuals with dignity and respect, especially employment participants, and uses “people-first” language.
14. Performs any other function which contributes to the overall operation of the program.
Responsibilities & Duties: Detailed Description
15. Works with individual to accomplish goals and objectives of ISP (Individual Service Plan).
16. Collects and charts data concerning each individual’s goals, and documents progress on individual program plans, social activities, behavior logs, medication logs.
17. All documentation meets Medicaid requirements and it is accurate & legible.
18. Provides direct supervision & training of clients of daily living areas (e.g., cooking, cleaning, gardening, socializing, personal grooming, leisure activities, recreation, shopping, etc.) in community settings.
19. Participates in assessment of work-related activities for program participant.
20. Is familiar with and implements first aid practices, cpr and community resources in case of an emergency.
21. Ensures client safety and assists clients in emergencies.
22. Immediately reports incidents to supervisor and submits completed paperwork before end of shift and leaving for the day.
23. Maintains environment and any equipment or furniture in a clean, healthy, and accident-free manner.
24. Maintains confidentiality of records and information and follows established guidelines.
25. Transports program participants to provide best active program, and maintains transportation log.
26. Ensures all documentation is legible, thorough & timely manner in accordance to all regulations, i.e, Medicaid, etc.
27. Participates in in-service training and staff meetings as needed and required by regulations and Strive.
28. Represents the agency in the community and at other professional meetings as requested.
Work Days & Hours:
The DSW works an assigned shift of not more than 40 hours a week. Work hours and shifts may vary based on the needs of the agency and its program participants.
Directly Responsible To:
Program Manager