Personal Care Assistant

Empower U.; Long Branch (NJ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly direct deposit

Paid training

Professional development

Mentorship

NJ opportunities

Job summary

Empower U. is seeking a hands-on Personal Care Assistant to support children and young adults with developmental disabilities in in-home respite settings. You will assist with daily living, facilitate community outings, and provide compassionate companionship to families in New Jersey.

The role requires reliable transportation, CPR certification, and a focus on safety, communication, and teamwork across a small agency team. Flexible shifts include after-school, evenings, weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–3 years’ experience as a Personal Care Assistant preferred.
• At least 6 months’ experience working with children with developmental disabilities required.
• CPR certification required.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within 10–15 miles.
• Smartphone to access HHAX applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to youth with diverse developmental needs.
• Engage youth in community outings, recreational activities, and social skill development.
• Support daily living activities and help maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment.
• Offer peer support, positive role modeling, and encouragement.
• Apply problem-solving, de-escalation, and critical thinking skills as needed.
• Communicate effectively with families, team members, and supervisors.
• Attend trainings, team meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Complete documentation and adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2–3 years’ experience as a Personal Care Assistant

6 months’ experience with children with developmental disabilities

CPR certification

Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within a 10–15 mile radius

Working smartphone to access agency HHAX applications

Job description

Personal Care Assistant

Location: Chatham, NJ

Company Name: Empower U.

About Us: Empower U is a rapidly growing in-home mental health organization dedicated to supporting children and young adults with developmental disabilities. We provide high-quality Respite Services for individuals ages 5–21 during after-school, evening, and weekend hours. Our mission is to empower youth and families through compassionate care, community engagement, and personalized support.

Position Summary

As a Personal Care Assistant, you will provide hands-on support, guidance, and companionship to children and young adults with developmental disabilities. This role is ideal for individuals who are motivated, dependable, and passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of families.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to youth with diverse developmental needs.
• Engage youth in community outings, recreational activities, and social skill development.
• Support daily living activities and help maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment.
• Offer peer support, positive role modeling, and encouragement.
• Apply problem-solving, de-escalation, and critical thinking skills as needed.
• Communicate effectively with families, team members, and supervisors.
• Attend and participate in required trainings, team meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Complete documentation and adhere to all agency policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience as a Personal Care Assistant
• At least 6 months’ experience working with children with developmental disabilities
• CPR certification
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within a 10–15 mile radius
• Working smartphone to access agency HHAX applications

Preferred

• CNA, PCA, or Home Health Aide certification
• Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities (2 Years+*)
• Passion for caregiving & community support
• Reliable transportation within NJ
• Background check & clearances required
• Current college student or degree in Psychology, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, or related field
• Experience as a Home Health Aide
• Fluency in a second language

Additional Skills

• Flexible availability (after-school, evenings, weekends, or daytime hours as scheduled)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities
• Compassion, patience, and dedication to serving youth and families

Schedule

Flexible: Weeknights, weekends, or daytime hours depending on family needs and agreed-upon schedule.

Location

Ocean County, Monmouth County, New Jersey (In-Person)

Compensation

$19.00 – $22.00 per hour

Respite Settings

One-on-One Respite

• In-home support for individual children
• Provide caregivers needed break
• Build meaningful bonds with families

Flexible scheduling around your life

Weekend Groups

• Saturday & Sunday group sessions
• Structured recreational activities
• Supervised community outings
• Team-based, collaborative environment

After School Centers

• Weekday afternoon programming
• Homework help & enrichment activities
• Safe, supportive environment
• Consistent, predictable schedule

Why Join Our Respite Team

• Competitive pay with weekly direct deposit
• Flexible hours - choose shifts that work for you
• Paid training & ongoing professional development
• Supportive supervision & mentorship
• Mission-driven, minority-owned organization
• Pathway to full-time roles across Empower U
• Positions available throughout New Jersey