Personal Care Assistant - LIFE Geisinger - Full Time - Days

Geisinger Health System - Kulpmont, PA

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Kulpmont, PA

10,001+ employees

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Personal Care Assistant at LIFE Geisinger plays a crucial role in providing personal care assistance to participants at the Adult Day Health Center and in their homes. This position is designed to help maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle for seniors aged 55 and older. The Personal Care Assistant works independently under a care plan developed by the home care coordinator and the participant, ensuring that care is delivered in a safe and courteous manner while promoting the maximum level of independence for the participants in their homes. Key responsibilities include providing direct participant care, which encompasses personal care, nutrition and hydration support, obtaining vital signs, assisting with ambulation and transfers, and helping with medication compliance. The role also involves indirect care responsibilities such as light housekeeping, laundry assistance, and the delivery of medications and supplies. The Personal Care Assistant must remain attentive to safety responsibilities, utilizing proper body mechanics and equipment like gait belts and back braces during transfers and ambulation. In addition to direct care, the Personal Care Assistant is responsible for collecting data for mandatory requirements and quality improvement projects, actively participating in action plans to enhance the quality of care provided by the LIFE Geisinger program. Accurate documentation of services provided is essential, as is maintaining effective communication with participants and co-workers. The role requires the Personal Care Assistant to explain actions to participants before starting tasks, ensuring that all care respects the participants' rights and promotes their independence by offering choices and fostering self-help skills. The Personal Care Assistant collaborates with other members of the interdisciplinary team to deliver quality care and attends assigned team meetings and educational trainings. The work environment is typically clinical, and the position requires accountability for satisfying job-specific obligations and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care assistance to participants at the Adult Day Health Center and in their homes.
• Work independently under a care plan developed by the home care coordinator and participant.
• Provide direct participant care including personal care, nutrition and hydration, obtaining vital signs, assisting with ambulation and transfers, and medication compliance.
• Participate in indirect participant care responsibilities such as light housekeeping and laundry assistance.
• Remain attentive to participant and personal care assistant safety responsibilities.
• Collect data for mandatory requirements and quality improvement projects.
• Complete accurate and thorough documentation for services provided according to program policy.
• Maintain effective communication skills with older adults and co-workers.
• Explain actions to participants before starting tasks.
• Promote independence in participants by offering choices and fostering self-help skills.
• Work cooperatively with other members of the interdisciplinary team to provide quality care.
• Attend assigned interdisciplinary team and scheduled monthly meetings.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED) is required.
• Minimum of 1 year of related work experience is preferred.
• Basic Life Support Certification is required.
• Valid Driver's License is required.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) is required.
• Computer literacy is required.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills are required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a healthcare setting is preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage starting on the first day of employment.
• Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage paid for by the company.
• A competitive 401(k) plan with automatic contributions beginning on the first day of employment.
• A generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows for quick accrual of time.
• Access to the MyHealth Rewards wellness program for health improvement and incentives.
• Support for families including adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a free care.com membership with discounted backup care.