PCA - PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides personal care and home management services to Mecklenburg County DSS In-Home Aide (IHA) clients in their place of residence. Services are provided under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, per an individualized written Plan of Care. The PCA is assigned to specific clients by the RN Case Manager and performs authorized tasks to maintain the client's personal comfort, safety, and independence in the home. Documentation is completed via Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) using ContinuLink/Sandata per agency and Medicaid requirements.

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Minimum age 18 years; High School diploma or GED required
• Minimum 6 months of experience providing care to individuals requiring ADL-level support, OR documented experience working as a PCA/CNA
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and follow a written Plan of Care
• Successful completion of agency written skills test and competency evaluation (conducted prior to first client assignment)
• Valid NC driver's license; personal vehicle insured per state and agency requirements; acceptable driving record
• Must reside at a different address than the client/recipient
• Cannot be a biological family member, step-family member, or in-law family member of the assigned client
• Must pass criminal background check, HCPR (Health Care Personnel Registry) check, and TB screening per agency policy HR-2
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain prior to first client assignment)

Preferred Qualifications

• NC Nurse Aide I or CNA II certification (required for Level 045 assignments)
• Prior experience with Medicaid PCS or IHA waiver programs
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred

Essential Functions

1. Performs personal care activities as authorized in the Plan of Care, including: bathing (tub, shower, or bed bath), shampooing, skin/nail care, oral hygiene, shaving, dressing/undressing, and toileting assistance
2. Assists with mobility, ambulation, transfers, and range-of-motion exercises under therapist or RN direction
3. Performs household services essential to health and safety at home: meal preparation/feeding, laundry, and light housekeeping
4. Provides medication reminders; assists with medications ordinarily self-administered under RN supervision and per state Nurse Practice Act
5. Observes and reports changes in client condition to the supervising RN or Clinical Supervisor promptly
6. Completes all visit documentation via EVV (ContinuLink/Sandata) and submits task sheets per agency requirements minimum weekly
7. Promotes client safety and infection control practices; reports unsafe situations to the Supervisor/Case Manager
8. Maintains client confidentiality in all aspects of service delivery
9. Attends required in-service training programs and competency reviews as scheduled
10. Participates in supervisory home visits with the RN (every 60 days for Level 042/045; every 90 days for Level 041)
11. Performs other duties as assigned

Physical/Environmental Demands

Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching. May require lifting up to 50 lbs. using proper body mechanics and safe client handling techniques. Possible exposure to infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, and household chemicals. Work is performed in client homes; travel between assignments required.

See ADA Requirements on file.