Job Purpose:
The Personal Care Aide (“PCA”) will work with other experienced staff in a team atmosphere to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities to facilitate program and individual goals.
The PCA will need to be able to actively participate and assist participants during volunteer projects, physical activities and instructional classes, both on the campus and off-campus during outings across community-based settings.
Direct Support:
- Provide continuous direct support to program participants through coaching, modeling, and hands-on instructional support
- Assist program participants with all specific needs including activities of daily living, personal care, and hygiene as needed
- Document services delivered in accordance with Els for Autism Foundation® policies and procedures.
- Maintain knowledge of all program participants’ medical, physical, communication, and behavioral needs/concerns; monitoring as required
- Follow behavioral and safety program procedures to ensure safety
- Provide direct and continuous supervision of program participants during activities, instructional classes, lessons special guests, volunteer projects, transition times to and from locations, while crossing the street, loading, and unloading vehicles and mealtimes, and public restrooms.
- Communicate with participant parents, guardians, and/or caregivers under the direct guidance of the Adult Services Program Coordinator or Associate Director of Adult Services
- Report all concerns, accidents and or incidents; completing written reports as directed
- Help set up, maintain and breakdown program spaces, equipment and supplies to ensure a safe and organized environment
Professional Development & Professionalism
- Complete and receive a certificate in the professional crisis management (PCM) program
- Adhere to HIPAA standards while collecting, storing, and sharing electronic personal health information
- Complete training required/offered by Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) as a MedWaiver provider, and additional training, as assigned
- Must always be alert and aware to respond to participant needs.
Qualifications and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1+ years’ experience working with children, youth, and/or adults with ASD or related developmental disabilities
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification
- Valid Florida Driver’s License and reliable transportation
Work Environment
- Interact with clients indoors or outside across campus and in the community
- Subject to frequent interruptions and changing priorities
- Must always be alert and aware to respond to participant needs.
- May require flexible scheduling
- Work hours are Monday-Friday
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.
