What are the responsibilities and job description for the Personal Care Assistant position at LIFE Pittsburgh?
About Life Pittsburgh -
LIFE Pittsburgh, a growing nonprofit organization with approximately 400 employees, is a community-based alternative to nursing home care and assisted living. Through the LIFE Pittsburgh program, frail older adults can remain in their own home and receive a coordinated plan of care that enables them to maintain their independence and enjoy a safe and active life in the community. Our health teams of geriatric physicians and nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and other health care professionals assess our Participants' needs and desires, plan and approve services with them and their family or caregiver, monitor for changes and provide timely interventions. Primary care and community services are provided through our Day Health Centers and through our in-home program according to an individual Participant's needs.
**Knowledge /Skills / Abil ties**
LIFE Pittsburgh, a growing nonprofit organization with approximately 400 employees, is a community-based alternative to nursing home care and assisted living. Through the LIFE Pittsburgh program, frail older adults can remain in their own home and receive a coordinated plan of care that enables them to maintain their independence and enjoy a safe and active life in the community. Our health teams of geriatric physicians and nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and other health care professionals assess our Participants' needs and desires, plan and approve services with them and their family or caregiver, monitor for changes and provide timely interventions. Primary care and community services are provided through our Day Health Centers and through our in-home program according to an individual Participant's needs.
- Job Summary:** Provides direct and indirect care to Participants, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), as assigned by the interdisciplinary team and documented in the Participants Plan of Care. Services are delivered primarily in Participants' homes and as needed, at LIFE Pittsburgh Adult Day Health Centers.
- Demonstrates a commitment to LIFE Pittsburgh's mission and core values by supporting older adults' dignity and independence within the PACE model of care.
- Provides ADL support as authorized in the Participants Plan of Care, including bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, mobility assistance, van assists, and medication prompting, in accordance with policies and procedures. May empty specimen containers (e.g., Foley catheter bag, ostomy bag) and provide perineal care, including Foley catheter and leg-bag care.
- Provides direct care service as approved and identified on the Participants Plan of Care to include but not limited to the following IADL's; light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping and companionship in a professional manner and consistent with policies and procedures.
- Perform advanced health-related tasks such as preparing participants for examinations, obtaining and documenting vital signs, weights, and ordered measurements, specimen collection, glucometer checks and calibration, and application of assistive devices, as directed by the physician and/or Nursing staff.
- This position will also assist the nurse with dressing changes, wound care, and par stock supplies, answer telephone, record messages on the log provided, and demonstrate basic computer skills; for example, email, ordering supplies, forward/attaching documents, documentation of care provided in electronic systems.
- Promote optimal health and maximize independence and self-care for the frail elderly, in accordance with LIFE Pittsburgh philosophy.
- Assists in keeping the environment clean and in orderly condition.
- While providing services, observes and communicates any change in Participants conditions, changes to service needs or scheduling to the supervisor
- Maintains records of work performed as required by LIFE Pittsburgh.
- Maintain participant privacy and dignity at all times.
- May perform additional essential and/or non-essential job functions as assigned by supervisor at any given time with or without notice.
- Primarily works in Participant residences, within the LIFE Pittsburgh Adult Day Health Centers (ADHC) as needed and may travel between LIFE Pittsburgh sites during all weather conditions. Occasional travel for other related functions.
- Awareness that works with LIFE Pittsburgh Participants (in the home or the center) involves the potential for exposure to unpleasant sights and smells, exposure to blood borne pathogens and/or other communicable diseases. Universal Precautions must be utilized at all times.
**Knowledge /Skills / Abil ties**
- Ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of the specific needs of the Participant.
- Frequently required to manage many details within a fast-paced environment.
- Thorough working knowledge of supporting cognitively impaired seniors and their families to deal with sensitive issues and facilitate problem solving.
- Possesses the knowledge of human growth and development of the participants served.
- Understands the range of treatment needed to serve LIFE Participants.
- Ability to multi-task and solve complex situations.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate sufficiently to independently perform required documentation, participate in training, and respond appropriately in emergent situations.
- Ability to work with people from various social-cultural backgrounds in an effective manner.
- Ability to work independently when appropriate and also work as a strong partner with a multidisciplinary team.
- Valid PA Certified Nursing Assistant Certification (preferred)
- Valid Driver's license and automobile insurance
- Must have a vehicle for travel
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of (1) year experience working with the geriatric population in a health care setting.