Job Title: Personal Care Assistant Job ID: 429-01 Posting Date: 07/06/2021 Job Closing Date: Until Filled Pay Grade: NON-EXEMPT Salary: $11.25 Work Hours: (Full Time) Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm Hiring Department: Day Services Hi Hope Service Center With a rich history spanning nearly 6 decades, Hi-Hope Service Center is a Lawrenceville based nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities and their families to live rich, full, active lives. Hi-Hope is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of individuals with disabilities to live, work, and participate as active members of their communities. We will enable each individual to achieve their maximum personal independence while demonstrating excellence in service and support. In addition to day services and supported employment, Hi-Hope supports 5 homes located throughout Gwinnett County. Home to 4 individuals each, these homes are staffed 24 hours a day by Hi-Hope employees who are committed to helping individuals live healthy, safe, fun, rich lives. About the Position The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides programmatic direct care services to individuals with developmental disabilities; assists individuals in meeting his/her personal care and nutritional needs; ensures that individuals personal hygiene needs are met and that personal appearance of each person is of the highest standard; maintains individual's rights by complying with applicable laws and regulations; and performs other related duties as assigned. Essential Job Functions: Regular attendance and punctuality. Provides support to each individual in the area of personal hygiene and cleanliness. This includes, but is not limited to grooming, hygiene, meal preparation, eating, changing clothes and or adult protective clothing, toileting and showering. Assists individuals in maintaining their personal belongings. Encourages maximum mobility independence. Assists as needed with ambulation and transfers using approved techniques. Follows approved menus, medical and medication directives and related schedules. Monitors all food and drink intake for choking, dietary restrictions and proper nutrition. Ensures food is prepared appropriately according to ISP and/or nursing instructions for individuals having dietary restrictions or needs (ex: an individual must have all foods pureed; or thickening agent must be added to all liquids.) Provides support to individuals and other staff when appropriate according to de-escalation philosophy and techniques. Records individual information and data on appropriate forms or electronically according to departmental policy. Treats individuals supported with respect, dignity, courtesy and sensitivity at all times. Transports Hi-Hope Service Center residents from a designated group home and/or a designated non-resident(s) to the Hi-Hope Service Center Day Service in the morning (am) Monday through Friday. Transports Hi-Hope Service Center residents from the Hi-Hope Service Center Day Service to a designated group home and/or a designated non-resident(s) in the afternoon (pm) Monday through Friday. Provides transportation for persons supported from residential locations to day activities and in emergencies such as evacuation of a Hi-Hope facility or home in accordance with DBHDD and DHS transportation guidelines. Actively participates in, and assists with community integrated outings, recreational, leisure and "meaningful day" activities with individuals supported. Makes good use of and provides care for all equipment and supplies. Provides for and maintains a safe, secure, clean, healthy and attractive environment for persons served, visitors and staff. Identifies and reports safety concerns. Reports any significant behavioral changes or possible medication adverse side effects in a timely manner to nursing and to supervisor. Follows established protocols for emergencies such as fire, severe weather, natural disasters, missing person, bomb threats, evacuation, utility failures, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents and safety during violent or other threatening situations. Follows established protocol for infection control and universal precautions and related directives from nursing staff. Actively participates in staff development trainings, staff meetings, seminars, conferences, web-based training and other meetings as scheduled by management. Reads and reviews written material as provided or assigned by your supervisor or the organization. Applies concepts that are learned to your daily activities. Follows all rules, guidelines and policies in the HHSC employee handbook and any other pertinent agency or regulatory documents. Acts appropriately and professionally on behalf of HHSC when in the community with or without individuals served. Follows dress code as mandated by the department and the organization. Observes confidentiality practices according to Hi-Hope policy and federal and state guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned. Education & Training Requirements: High School Graduate or General Education Diploma (GED) Experience Requirements: Experience working in a skilled nursing facility, retirement or other type of community supporting elderly or geriatric individuals or working in a setting with individuals with significant disabilities. Paid work experience performing similar tasks is preferred.