Personal Care Assistant/Driver

$36,712 - $36,712/Yr

Worcester County Developmental Center - Newark, MD

Full-time

Newark, MD

Social Assistance

About the position

The Personal Care Assistant/Driver at the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC) plays a crucial role in empowering adults with developmental and physical disabilities. This position focuses on providing personal care and support to ensure that individuals are healthy, safe, and able to engage in meaningful activities. The role requires a commitment to treating clients with dignity and respect while fostering their independence and participation in the community.

Responsibilities

• Assists individuals with personal care including toileting, changing soiled clothing, showering, personal hygiene care, feeding, and ambulating.
• Treats clients with dignity and respect at all times and acts in a professional manner consistent with WCDC mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• Develops mutual respect and understanding with clients, helping them meet their needs and goals as independently as possible.
• Remains sensitive to client's needs; counsels them to help them realize their abilities and uniqueness; enables them to make informed choices.
• Understands and follows all care plans, person-centered plans, behavior plans, and other individual-specific training for each client.
• Uses safe practices utilizing gait belts, mechanical lifts, and other devices as deemed appropriate.
• Maintains participant's records according to regulations and established policies and procedures.
• Notes and reports any changes in attitude, health, or needs of participants.
• Participates in program planning and develops activities for the individuals and adapts activities to different ability levels.
• Works cooperatively with art and activity staff; supports and assists the clients in the completion of art and activity projects.
• Creates an atmosphere of positivity and acceptance, allowing the clients a safe and happy space to express themselves and thrive.
• Passes and maintains a Department of Transportation (DOT) certification to safely transport clients to and from the day program and outside activities/events; follows all traffic laws.
• Works with clients in their homes when asked due to day program closure, client illness, etc.
• Transports clients to and from medical appointments as needed.
• Maintains formal and informal communication with primary and associate supervisor keeping both aware of activities and concerns with the program; follows chain of command.
• Works cooperatively with other staff to create an encouraging atmosphere to maximize client development.
• Passes and maintains certifications in Med Tech (if required to administer medication), CPR, First Aid, Mandt, special needs training, and other related training as required by DDA and WCDC.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license approved to transport clients.
• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience required.
• Complete all DDA Core Training successfully.
• Pass and maintain a DOT certification.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance