Community Living Associate (CLA)

Position Summary:

Under the management of the PACE SEMI’s Community Living Manager and the coordination of the Lead CLA, the Participant Care Associate (CLA) provides supportive services to the participants (residents); including but not limited to the community setting, during transport and on appointments, or in the day health center while under the supervision of the manager, registered nurse, or lead CLA. The CLA’s responsibilities for each participant are specified in the CLA Care Plan. The following statements describe the essential elements, functions, and requirements of the position.

Summary of Duties and Functions:

• The CLA plan of care is based on the initial and on-going assessments performed by the manager, assigned RNCM/clinical team, and lead CLA.
• The CLA assists in providing and/or maintaining optimal physical and emotional comforts to the participants (residents) living in the community setting while embracing the culture, mission, values, and the practicing Ten Principles at PACE SEMI.
• The CLA assists in creating a nurturing supportive environment while helping participants (residents) achieve maximum self-reliance and independence within the community living setting.
• The CLA performs the care or services outlined in the individual participant’s care plan; any care guidelines pertinent to the participant’s diagnosis are specified in the care plan.
• The CLA performs a variety of tasks and services for the participants (residents), including:
• Personal care up to and including 2-person assist
• 1:1 interaction in DHC and CL as outlined in the plan of care
• Assistance with activities
• Assistance with meal preparation / cooking/ feeding/other nutritional needs
• Assistance with toileting / managing incontinence
• Simple treatments
• Grocery shopping
• Laundry services
• Coordination of care with participant and the DHC based on care plan
• Engage with resident elevating health concerns and customer services issues or needs appropriately
• Homemaking services / chores/ housekeeping services/sanitizing equipment
• All other duties as required by manager and lead CLA, as assigned
• Rounds q2 hour after 7pm-7am.
• The CLA is responsible for accurate timely documentation as required by the community living setting; including but not limited to the care and/or services provided during participant (resident) encounter(s). The CLA keeps the manager, lead CLA, and clinical team informed of the participant’s progress.
• Immediately reports all customer service complaints, all deviations from set schedule and appointments to supervisor/manager or lead CLA.
• The CLA responds to emergency situations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Works only within established scope of practice.

Summary of Working Conditions:

• Working conditions are variable, with exposure to communicable diseases, due to the participant environment. There is also potential for exposure to chemicals such as cleaning solutions and medications.
• The CLA is supervised regularly in the community setting by the manager and RNCM by direct or indirect supervision. At this time, the participant’s satisfaction with the Care Plan and CLA is evaluated.
• Driving is required within PACE SEMI catchment area.
• The CLA must have reliable transportation available on a daily basis, a current valid driver’s license, must maintain an acceptable driving record, and provide proof of current automobile insurance.
• The CLA must have the ability to transfer and assist with moving patients; frequent walking, bending, and lifting of forty (40) pounds or more may be needed in the performance of duties.
• The CLA may be required to change participant assignments based on the changing acuity level, participant needs, and participant.

Job Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid Michigan Driver's license.
• Current CPR card required.
• Certification is optional though preferred, but must have one (1) year experience with a frail or elderly population.
• Experience must be in a long-term care, hospital, home care setting, or PACE setting.
• Required completion of a basic nursing assistant training program. Must have received certificate of completion from a formal training program (Direct Care, Nurse Assistant, Medical Assistant, etc.) outside of PACE SEMI.
• The CLA participates in annual, mandatory in-service training and screening, including but not limited to: infection control, TB testing, safety training, and BLS training.

• The CLA must possess the ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships.
• The CLA shows respect for the physical, spiritual, and well-being of participants and co-workers.
• The CLA must have the ability to problem solve and interpret instructions.
• The CLA must be able to organize and maintain flexible scheduling to coordinate job responsibilities.
• Ability to work sensitively with individuals of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to relate to those participants with dementia and/or developmental disabilities.
• The CLA must be able to perform duties in an atmosphere of frequent interruption.
• Must meet a standardized set of competencies (approval by CMS) before working independently.
• CLA competency is monitored and maintained in a variety of ways:
• Initially, through a skills check-off performance evaluation of specific tasks upon hire and orientation to the program, and annually thereafter.
• Job-related competency in-services including a practicum demonstration and written assessment.
• Mandatory in-service training.
• Department staff meetings.
• Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant care.