DCA in Lowell

Job Summary:

A Personal Care Assistant is recognized as a responsible individual who has been trained to provide personal care and those supportive services which are necessary to maintain a disabled or dependent person in safety and comfort of their own home.

Responsibilities:

Ø Provision of hands-on or cueing and supervision with ADLs and IADLs, of a member in accordance with the individual's GAFC plan of care and that is necessary for the member's health and well-being, including but not limited identifying when a crisis intervention is necessary Ø Monitoring and reporting any non-urgent or nonemergency changes in the member's medical condition to the nurse or care manager. In case of emergency, report directly to the most appropriate provider and follow up with a member of the MDT (Multidisciplinary Professional Team) Ø Providing ongoing supervision of health-related activities, such as: § Issuing reminders to the member about prescribed medications § Timely refilling of the member's prescriptions Ø Completing a direct care aide log for each visit Ø Sending the completed direct aide log at the end of ach month to the nurse where it is maintained as part of member's file Ø Notifying the GAFC provider of the need for alternative care of the member Ø Immediately notifying the GAFC provider when any of the following events occur: § Death of the member § A medical emergency or any significant changes in a member's health or level of functioning: § A fire, accident, injury, or contraction of serious communicable disease by the member or GAFC direct care aide § Any planned or unexpected departure from the member's home by the member AND § All other member or caregiver incidents or accidents Ø Use electronic visit verification (EVV) in the form and format as required by the MassHealth agency Ø Personal Care services provided but not limited to: o

Bathing:

sponge, shower, tub o

Grooming:

hair care, skin care, shaving (electrical razor only), mouth care, nail care (no nail cutting) o Dressing and undressing o Meal preparation and feeding (authorized a case-by-case basis) o Standard Precautions o Assisting with transfers, bathroom o Shopping (purchasing food and household supplies) o Laundering and ironing Ø Reports changes in member's condition (medical and psychosocial) to RN/CM Ø Accurately documents dates, visits and completed tasks Ø Submits paperwork in a timely manner according to agency policy and procedure

Qualifications:

Ø Certified Home Health Aide; OR Equivalent training Ø May not be a family member as defined in 130 CMR 408.502 (a spouse; parent of a minor member, including adoptive parent; or any legally responsible relative of the member. Ø Have one or more years of experience working with elders and people with disabilities providing assistance with ADLs and IADLs Ø Have been determined competent either through a competency evaluation program OR by the GAFC provider's registered nurse in all of the following areas: § Techniques for providing safe personal care assistance § Basic understanding of body functioning and changes in body function § Assisting members at various levels of functioning § Caring for members admitted at the Program and members with Alzheimer's diseases and related disorders, behavioral health issues, and cognitive impairments § Observation, reporting and documentation of the members status and the care provided § Recognizing the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of the individuals in their care and working in a manner that respect them, their privacy and their property § Preventing and reporting abuse, neglect, mistreatment and misappropriation § Communication and interpersonal skills § Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich Maneuver § Maintenance of clean, safe, and health environment; AND § Recognizing, responding to, and reporting emergencies and knowledge of emergency procedures Ø MD clearance letter and TB test completed within the last 12 month Ø Proof of Covid-19 vaccination (preferred) Ø Has the emotional and mental maturity necessary for establishing and maintaining a good work relationship with the member, member's family, and the personnel of the agency.

Physical Requirements:

Ø Ability to communicate clearly and have good listening skills. Ø Requires person to stoop and bend Ø Travel distances to prospective member's residence Ø Ability to climb stairs Ø Read 12 point or larger type

Special Requirements:

Ø Must be willing to work at various hours Ø Must attend and participate in continuing educational programs as they relate to job responsibilities

Pay:

$18.50 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid orientation Paid sick time Referral program Safety equipment provided

Work Location:

On the road