Personal Care Assistant

The Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC) is committed to empowering adults with developmental and physical disabilities to be productive, responsible, and participating members of the community by identifying, enhancing, and creating opportunities so all individuals can achieve their highest level of economic and social independence.

This is a non-exempt position and works as part of a Cross-Functional Team. The incumbent is responsible for providing personal care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Personal Care Assistant ensures the individuals are healthy, safe, and able to participate and experience their idea of a meaningful day.

Rate of Pay: $19.00 per hour

Hours: Monday-Friday; Full-time staff must be available between the hours of 6:45am and 4:45pm.
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities includes the following and other duties as assigned:

- Assists individuals with personal care including but not limited to toileting, changing soiled clothing, showering when needed, personal hygiene care, feeding, ambulating, etc.

- Treats clients with dignity and respect at all times and acts in a professional manner consistent with WCDC mission, vision and guiding principles.

- Develops a 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; and 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.

- Pass and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) certification to safely transport clients to and from the day program and outside activities/events; follow all traffic laws.

- 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.

- Works with clients in his/her home when asked due to day program closure, client illness, etc.

- Transport 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.

- Pass and maintain 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.
Qualifications: Must be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver's license, and approved to transport clients. License may not be Provisionals and have a driving record that reflects responsibility and maturity. Complete all DDA Core Training successfully. Pass and maintain a DOT certification.

Education/Experience: A High School Diploma/GED required.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand and walk 90% of work time; sit and/or drive 10%. Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull 60 pounds; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch and reach. All the requirements are necessary in order to properly supervise and assist individuals with disabilities. Should be able to climb stairs/ladder and have good balance. Vision is required in order to drive.

Benefits: 401(k), 401(k) matching, Dental, Health, Vision, and Life insurance; Paid time off, Referral program, and Short-Term Disability.

WCDC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.