PCA Careers
PCA work can be incredibly rewarding and meaningful. PCAs assist people with disabilities with Activities of Daily Living. The list of activities varies greatly depending upon the person and their disability. PCAForever.org does not hire or manage PCA career development. The links below provide more information on how to become a PCA and how to find work as a PCA.
Worker Applications
Job Description
A personal care attendant (PCA) is a person who is recruited and hired by a consumer to physically assist in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Consumers may hire multiple PCAs, as necessary, to meet their specific needs. The jobs are as varied as the consumers; each person has different needs and preferences, and the work typically evolves as the consumer and PCA get to know each other.
Career Resources
- Information on beginning a career as a PCA can be found at Mass PCA Directory
. This website has program information, as well as links to job openings through the Rewarding Work directory. - 1199 SEIU (Service Employees International Union) also supports PCAs, and has career development and training information. Visit the 1199 SEIU website for contact information.
- Bristol Community College is piloting a course for PCA's. Hopefully the pilot program evolves into a permanent offering.
- MassHealth has compiled a PCA Consumer Handbook . While the book is written for the consumer, PCAs will also find valuable information about the MA program and the work.
Tips on Finding a Job (excepts from Rewarding Work)
- Use your application to sell yourself: Prospective employers will read your application before deciding whether or not to contact you about a position. It's how employers get to know job candidates. Increase your chances of getting a job by making sure that your application is as good as it can be. Before you hit the "submit" button, make sure you re-read your application as if you were an employer. Ask yourself, "Would I hire this person?" Make sure that your application is free of spelling or grammatical errors. Provide enough information so that an employer can get a sense of who you are and what ype of experience you have. Include information about any training or certifications you have received. Be upbeat and positive!
- Update your application: Consumers are more likely to contact workers who keep their applications updated, so review and update your application every four to six weeks. Even a small change will update your application and bring it to the top of the list.
- Prepare a list of references: Whenever you are looking for a job, it helps to prepare a list of references ahead of time. Include individuals who can speak about your work skills and habits. Include titles, companies, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. Get permission from references to use their names.
- Be courteous to potential employers: If you are contacted about a PCA position by phone or email, please be polite whether or not you are sure the position is the one you want.
- Email etiquette: If an employer contacts you by email, make sure that you respond promptly. Check your spelling and punctuation, and always include your first and last name as well as a phone number in your response. Always re-read your email response before hitting "send."
- Phone interview: Some employers pre-screen a job candidate by conducting a phone interview. Make sure you schedule a phone interview at a time when you can talk without interruptions. If possible, use a land-line to avoid dropped calls. Have a list of questions about the job, and take notes.
- Be prepared for your interview: A job interview can and should be enjoyable! There are things you can do to make it a good experience - which may lead to a job offer.
- Prepare questions about the position in advance.
- Be prepared to say in one sentence why you want the job.
- Ask how someone succeeds in the job you're discussing.
- Be honest. If you haven't had a particular experience, just say so. Most employers are willing to train employees who want to learn.
- Bring along your list of references.
- Be rested and alert. This lets you be who you are.
- Dress neatly. The way you present yourself shows others that you care about yourself.
- If you find you'll be late for the interview, or you can't make it, call as soon as you learn about the change.
- Background Checks
- CORI (Massachusetts)Massachusetts, if an employer requests a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, the job candidate must have his or her signature notarized to prove that he or she has agreed to the CORI. Many city or town clerk offices provide this service free of charge. Banks also may provide free notary services to their customers.
- On-Line: Many employers are computer-savvy and use Google and Facebook to gather information and to see how potential employees portray themselves online. Make sure that any online information under your control portrays you in a positive and respectful way.
- Job Offer: Before you accept a position, make sure that you know what is expected of you.
- Ask for a complete list of job responsibilities and duties you will be expected to perform.
- Find out how many hours you will work, and what your schedule will be.
- Find out the hourly wage.
- Never start a position before filling out necessary paperwork.
ADL: Activities of Daily Living include mobility (including tranfers), medications, bathing and grooming, dressing and undressing, range-of-motion exercises, eating and toileting.
IADL: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living include meal preparation, shopping, laundry, managing money, housework, transportation, use of telephone, outdoor mobility, and taking medicine