Personal Care Assistant (PCA) / Direct Care Support Professional (DSP)

Divine Family Human Services; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 24,797,000; Full time

Job summary

Divine Family Human Services is seeking a Personal Care Assistant/Direct Care Support Professional to provide compassionate, person-centered care to clients in home or community settings. The role focuses on promoting independence, dignity, safety, and well-being.

You will assist with daily living activities, mobility, meals, and light housekeeping, while documenting progress and following individualized care plans.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience in personal care, home health, caregiving, or direct support preferred but not required.
• Current CPR and TB test.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet state or agency requirements.
• Valid driver's license/state ID and reliable transportation may be required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist clients safely (up to 50 pounds).

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and hygiene.
• Support mobility, transfers, ambulation, and use of mobility equipment.
• Prepare and serve meals according to dietary needs and assist feeding.
• Perform light housekeeping and maintain a clean living environment.
• Remind or assist with medication per care plan and agency policy.
• Provide companionship and support independence and social engagement.
• Accompany clients to medical appointments, community activities, and errands.
• Observe and report changes in client condition to supervisor.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services and client progress.
• Follow care plans, agency policies, confidentiality, and safety procedures.
• Maintain professional relationships with clients, families, and healthcare team.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Observation

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

Time management

Teamwork

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA)/Direct Care Support Professional (DSP) provides compassionate, person-centered care and support to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. The PCA/DSP assists clients with daily living activities while promoting independence, dignity, safety, and overall well-being in the home or community setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Help with mobility, transfers, ambulation, and the use of mobility equipment when needed.
• Prepare and serve meals according to dietary needs and assist with feeding if required.
• Perform light housekeeping duties, including laundry, dishwashing, vacuuming, and maintaining a clean living environment.
• Remind or assist clients with medication as directed by the care plan and agency policy.
• Provide companionship and emotional support while encouraging independence and social engagement.
• Accompany clients to medical appointments, community activities, and errands as needed.
• Observe and report changes in the client's physical, emotional, or behavioral condition to the supervisor.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services provided and client progress.
• Follow individualized care plans and comply with all agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and safety procedures.
• Maintain professional, respectful, and positive relationships with clients, families, and healthcare team members.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in personal care, home health, caregiving, or direct support is preferred but not always required.
• Current CPR and Negative TB test.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet state or agency requirements.
• Valid driver's license/State ID and reliable transportation may be required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist clients safely (up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation).

Skills & Abilities:

• Compassionate, patient, and dependable.
• Strong observation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment:

• Client homes, residential facilities, or community settings.
• May require prolonged standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting with transfers.
• Exposure to various home environments and community locations.