Personal Care Assistant

Empower U; Ocean Gate (NJ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly direct deposit

Flexible hours

Paid training

Professional development

Supportive supervision

Mentorship

Pathway to full-time

Job summary

Empower U is an in-home mental health organization providing respite services for children and young adults with developmental disabilities in New Jersey. We seek a Personal Care Assistant to support families, engage youth in activities, and help with daily living in a compassionate, reliable manner.

The role offers flexible after-school, evening, and weekend hours, with paid training and growth opportunities across Empower U’s NJ locations.

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

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.

Skills

Flexible availability

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Compassion

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CPR certification

Driver's license

Tools

HHAX access

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

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