Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Job Description
Position Title: Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
Reports To: Supervisor, Care Manager, or Client (as appropriate)
Position Summary:
The Personal Care Attendant is responsible for providing personal care and assistance with daily living activities to individuals who need support due to age, illness, or disability. The PCA promotes dignity, safety, and independence, following each client’s individual care plan and working collaboratively with healthcare professionals and families.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and hygiene
• Help with mobility, transfers, walking, and exercise as directed
• Prepare and serve meals according to dietary guidelines
• Perform light housekeeping, including laundry and cleaning
• Remind clients to take medications (as allowed by agency policy)
• Provide companionship and emotional support
• Transport or accompany clients to appointments and outings
• Observe and report changes in client condition
• Document tasks and activities as required
• Maintain a safe and clean environment
Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous experience in personal care or healthcare preferred but not required
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screening
• Physical ability to perform job duties
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Reliable transportation (if travel required)
Work Hours: Variable (may include days, evenings, weekends, or nights based on client need)
Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications; may include benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and professional development.
Conclusion
The role of the Personal Care Attendant is vital in supporting vulnerable individuals and enriching their quality of life. It requires not only practical skills and knowledge but also compassion, respect, and a commitment to person-centered care. For those seeking a career that offers both challenge and the opportunity to make a genuine difference, becoming a PCA is a deeply rewarding path.