POSITION DESCRIPTION – Personal Care Assistant

Organisational Context

Carinya Society is a community managed not for profit organization that facilitates choice and provides outstanding services to individuals with a disability. We support and value each individual as an integral part of the community.

Position Scope

Carinya Society is responsible for providing a range of educational, recreational and independent living skills programs to participants with a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities. The position provides support to participants who receive an individual’s support service from Carinya Society in the day service.

The Personal Care Attendant is responsible for providing a high standard of quality personal care to meet the participant’s individual daily living requirements & health care needs. The PCA will work under the direction of the Assistant Manager – Day Services, ensuring the support is responsive to the participantsindividual’s personal care needs.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

General

  • Provide personal care support/services in a manner that preserves the quality of life, dignity and rights of the participant and according to the vision and values of Carinya Society.
  • Provide personal care assistance to individuals in the areas identified. This includes supportingindividualswith toileting, maintaining personal hygiene (changing personal aids), showering, dressing/undressing
  • Maintain accurate records of personal care needs, daily monitoring or charting of observations.
  • Report any changes in individual participants conditions to Key Worker and Line Manager
  • Encourage individuals to actively contribute to their personal care needs by maintaining skills and or supporting new skills development, where possible.
  • Complete personal care in line with Carinya Society’s No Lift Policy and Procedures, and individuals tailored no lift procedures.
  • Provide assistance with mobility where necessary, either onsite or in the community.
  • Ensure participants daily care is provided in a dignified manner: participant to look neat and tidy, hair is well groomed, food stains removed from face and clothing.
  • Maintain accessible bathroom and ensure it is well equipped with necessary stock or equipment.
  • Deliver services in a manner which is sensitive to the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds of the individual.
  • Maintain systems of recording – monthly charting templates
  • Participate in staff and team meetings as required.

Communication

  • Work as part of a team and contribute to the team in a professional manner.
  • Develop and maintain professional relationships with parents, carers and other organizations(eg District Nursing Service) through meetings, telephone and general contact.
  • Record accurately, in a timely manner and according to the principals of privacy and confidentiality, any communication relating to the individuals being supported by Carinya Society.
  • Ensure where possible communication with families and carers from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds occurs via interpreters.
  • Professionally and actively participate as a team member in meetings and supervision.
  • Represent Carinya Society in a professional manner when accessing the community.

Organizational

  • Operate in a manner consistent with Carinya Society ’s vision and an ongoing commitment of mutual respect to all stakeholders;
  • Promote Carinya’s brand and reputation within the wider sector and community
  • Demonstrate a commitment to agency wide quality improvement in all day to dayactivities including assisting Carinya Society to achieve its Accreditation requirements;
  • Ensure that confidentiality of Carinya Society clients and commercial data is respected at all times;
  • Comply with the principles of equal employment opportunity to ensure a workplace free from harassment and unlawful discrimination;
  • Ensure compliance with Carinya Society ’s Occupational Health & Safety Policies and Procedures
  • Ensure compliance with Carinya Society No Lift Policy and Procedure and as necessary contribute to participant mobility assessments and make recommendations for improved practices.
  • To undertake continuing professional development;
  • Other duties as directed.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential /
  • Certificate III Aged Care / Disability or relevant Qualification
  • Demonstrated capacity to provide high quality personal support to participants.
  • Extensive Experience in the use of Manual Handling Aids and Equipment and principles of No Lift Techniques
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills including experience communicating with families and record keeping
  • Ability to problem solve with schedules, timetables and workload.
  • Computer skills including use of internet and email and Microsoft Office (preferred or willingness to learn).
  • Current Level 2 Workplace First Aid
  • Current Drivers License

Core Competencies, Attributes and Capabilities

Qualifications / Experience /
  • Demonstrated record in providing high level of professional personal care support to individuals with disabilities.
  • Demonstrated experience in dealing effectively and diplomatically with participants and their carers and staff
  • Some knowledge of the Disability Standards and Quality Framework or ability to learn
  • Capacity to complete work with limited direction and work as a member of a multidisciplinary team
  • Ability to facilitate the translation of an organizational vision into action
  • A current Victorian driver’s license.

Capabilities /
  • Ability to act with clarity and sensitivity in relation to participant issues
  • Respond to challenges with innovative approaches and solutions
  • An understanding of the principles involved in dealing with Behavioursof Concern
  • Thorough understanding of word processing skills utilizing Microsoft Word, ability to maintain participant charts.
  • Excellent Time Management skills and ability to complete scheduled work on time and at times independently.

Leadership / Interpersonal /
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external stakeholders;
  • Ability to be flexible and supportive of others in a team environment;
  • Ability to manage competing priorities whilst ensuring that quality personal support is provided to all participants.
  • Goodorganizational, planning, and Time Management skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to be innovative and to take initiative;
  • Demonstrated use of appropriate ethical standards, practices and behaviors

Employee’s Signature: / Date:
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Line Manager Signature: / Date:
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