Community Living Associate

Community Living Participant Care Associate (PCA)

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the management of the PACE SEMI’s Community Living Manager and the coordination of the Lead PCA, the Participant Care Associate (PCA) provides supportive services to the participants (residents); including but not limited to the community setting, during transport and on appointments, or in the day health center while under the supervision of the manager, registered nurse, or lead PCA. The PCA’s responsibilities for each participant are specified in the PCA Care Plan. The following statements are intended to describe the essential elements, functions, and requirements of the position. The list should not be taken as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of an individual assigned to this job.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

The PCA plan of care is based on the initial and on-going assessments that are performed by the manager, assigned RNCM/clinical team, and lead PCA. The PCA assists in providing and/or maintaining optimal physical and emotional comforts to the participants (residents) living in the community setting while embracing the culture, mission, values, and the practicing Ten Principles at PACE SEMI. The PCA assists in creating a nurturing supportive environment while helping participants (residents) achieve maximum self-reliance and independence within the community living setting. The PCA performs the care or services that are outlined in the individual participant’s care plan; any care guidelines that are pertinent to the participant’s diagnosis are specified in the care plan. The PCA performs a variety of tasks and services for the participants (residents), including: Personal care Assistance with activities Assistance with meal preparation / cooking/ feeding/other nutritional needs Assistance with toileting / managing incontinence Simple treatments Grocery shopping Medication reminders and medication pass Laundry services Engage with resident elevating health concerns and customer services issues or needs appropriately Homemaking services / chores/ housekeeping services/sanitizing equipment All other duties as required by manager and lead PCA, as assigned The PCA is responsible for accurate timely documentation as required by the community living setting; including but not limited to the care and/or services provided during participant (resident) encounter(s). The PCA keeps the manager, lead PCA, and clinical team

informed of the participant’s progress.

Immediately reports all customer service complaints, all deviations from set schedule and appointments to supervisor / manager or lead PCA.

The PCA responds to emergency situations in accordance with established policies and procedures. Works only within established scope of practice.

SUMMARY OF WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions are variable. With exposure to communicable diseases, due to participant environment. There is also potential for exposure to chemicals such as cleaning solutions and medications The PCA is supervised regularly in the community setting, by the manager and RNCM by direct or indirect supervision. At this time the participant’s satisfaction with the Care Plan and PCA is evaluated Driving is required within PACE SEMI catchment area The PCA must have reliable transportation available on a daily basis, a current valid driver’s license, must maintain an acceptable driving record, and provide proof of current automobile insurance The PCA must have the ability to transfer and assist with moving patients; frequent walking, bending, and lifting of forty (40) pounds or more may be needed in the performance of duties The PCA may be required to change participant assignments based on the changing acuity level, participant needs, and participant census.

Job Requirements

H.S. diploma or GED required Valid Michigan Driver's license Current CPR card required Certification is optional though preferred, but must have one (1) year experience with a frail or elderly population Experience must be in a long-term care, hospital, home care setting, or PACE setting Required completion of a basic nursing assistant training program. Must have received certificate of completion from a formal training program (Direct Care, Nurse Assistant, Medical Assistant, etc.) outside of PACE SEMI The PCA participates in annual, mandatory in-service training and screening, including but not limited to: infection control, TB testing, safety training, and BLS training The PCA must possess the ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships The PCA shows respect for the physical, spiritual, and well-being of participants and co-workers The PCA must have the ability to problem solve and interpret instructions The PCA must be able to organize and maintain flexible scheduling to coordinate job responsibilities Ability to work sensitively with individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds Ability to relate to those participants with dementia and/or developmental disabilities The PCA must be able to perform duties in an atmosphere of frequent interruption Must meet a standardized set of competencies (approval by CMS) before working independently PCA competency is monitored and maintained in a variety of ways: Initially, through a skills check-off performance evaluation of specific tasks upon hire and orientation to the program, and annually thereafter Job related competency in-services including a practicum demonstration and written assessment Mandatory in-service training Department staff meetings Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant contact.