Title: Personal Care Aide (PCA) with C-N-A certification

This position is Part time – 29 hours per week: Monday-Friday Day Shift

Why join our team?
We impact the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families daily. We influence and support autism acceptance and appreciation worldwide. Come join our dedicated, and passionate team in delivering and facilitating innovative programs and services.

Importance of Role
This position serves as a Personal Care Aide (“PCA”) with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification to work with other experienced staff in a team atmosphere to support individuals with (ASD) and related developmental disabilities to facilitate program and individual goals.

The PCA will need to be able to actively participate and assist participants and program volunteers during volunteer projects, physical activities, and instructional classes, both on-site and out in the community. 

In addition to the responsibilities of a PCA, the CNA will also provide guidance and support in medical related instances to ensure high-quality service delivery and client safety and care within the Adult Day Training (ADT) program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct support

• Provide continuous direct supervision and support to program participants with daily living skills through coaching, modeling, and hands-on instructional support
• Assist program participants with individual needs including activities of daily living, personal care, feeding and hygiene as needed
• Document services delivered in accordance with Els for Autism Foundation® policies and procedures.
• Provide direct and continuous supervision of program participants during activities, mealtimes, instructional classes, lessons with special guests, volunteer projects, transition to and from locations, loading and unloading into vehicles either on campus or while out in the community to ensure participant safety and well being. 
• Report all concerns, accidents and/or incidents as directed; completing written reports as needed/assigned  
• Collect, document, and maintain participant data including daily progress reports

Personal Care Aide

• Maintain knowledge of all program participants’ medical, physical, communication, and behavioral needs/concerns
• Assist participants with activities of daily living as needed
• Help prepare, set up, maintain, clean and break down program spaces, supplies, and equipment to ensure a safe and organized environment 

Certified Nursing Assistant Responsibilities

• Monitor participant’s health conditions, including implementing seizure protocols and provide care during medical events
• Administer medications and document treatments following all state and APD requirements
• Administer standard precautions and infection control standards
• Observe and document any client physical and/or behavioral changes in addition to documenting health observations and care provided

Required Qualifications and Experience

• HS diploma or equivalent and must be a Certified Nursing Assistant with a valid Florida certification 
• At least 1 year experience as a CNA working with youth and/or adults with Autism or other developmental disabilities
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• 2 years of experience in a paid position working with adults with Autism or other developmental disabilities
• PCA certification
• Experience working as a behavioral assistant or technician with individuals with ASD
• Demonstrated ability to support verbal and non verbal participants
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• PCM (Professional Crisis Management) trained 

Work Environment

• Potential exposure to accidents, illness or injury
• Interact indoors or outside – in office or program environments across campus
• Subject to frequent interruptions and changing priorities 
• May require flexible scheduling 

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.

Job Purpose:

This position provides 1:1 and group behavioral intervention services to children and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders. The interventions are individualized to meet the unique needs of each client. Areas of focus include communication, daily living, play, social and vocational skills as well as personal hygiene.

The RBT works as part of a transdisciplinary team with typical duties to include:

• Assist with intakes and assessments and parent/caregiver training related to client’s individualized treatment plan
• Provide direct client care in individual and group settings 
• Implement programs according to behavior plan 
• As assigned, assist with training and onboarding new RBT’s and/or weekly scheduling of ABA clients
• Participate in team meetings with staff, clients and their families; may be asked to lead on occasion 
• Record and graph client data toward goal accomplishment and create session notes
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized environment
• Maintain client confidentiality; attend trainings and staff meetings
• Collaborate with clinical services team when designing and planning supports and materials 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work, behavior analysis or similar
• RBT Certification plus a minimum of two years working with individuals on the autism spectrum in a behavioral, educational or job coach setting
• Must be able to life and carry clients up to 50 pounds as required
• Must be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures (kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting, and standing) for extended periods of time in support of clients
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Effective time management skills 
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and data collection software

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with crisis and physical management techniques (i.e. PCM training)
• Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish or English/Brazilian Portuguese)
• Student Analyst working toward master’s degree

Other:

• Employment and Post hire training requirements apply
• Work is normally performed on campus in a typical classroom environment and in community-based settings.

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued for all individuals, regardless of background, identity or ability. At Els for Autism, all individuals are respected and provided equal opportunities for success.