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Direct Care Worker, (DCW):
Also known as personal care assistants, caregivers, home health or personal care aides, provide assistance to people who are sick, injured, mentally or physically disabled, or the elderly and fragile. They work in the home and help their clienteles with everyday activities, such as bathing and bathroom functions, feeding, grooming, taking medication, and some housework. DCWs assist clients in making and keeping appointments with doctors, provide or arrange transportation, make and serve meals, make sure they take their medicine and serve as a companion for their clients.
DCW Education Requirements:
High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)
Job Requirements:
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check
- FBI Fingerprinting Background Check
- Physician Physical
- TB Screening
- First Aid / CPR Certificate
- Valid Driving License / State Identification Card
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
Job Skills:
- Empathy: Clients are weak, impaired, in pain and need help. Being sympathetic to their needs and understanding is necessary.
- Attention to Detail: Some clients have specific rules or schedules that must be minded, or specific dietary or physical rules that must be followed.
- Interpersonal Skills: Personal care assistants work in a very personal way with their clients. Some will be in pain or very sensitive to their fragility. They must be sensitive and compassionate with clients.
- Stamina: Personal care assistants might need to lift clients into the bathtub, cars and into bed, and need strength.
Time Management: Personal care assistants are schedule keepers. They have to be there to make sure clients get up on time, make sure medication is taken on schedule and clients get to appointments on time.