Personal Assistant Program FAQ
Q - What different tasks does a personal assistant do?
A - A personal assistant can assist a person with a disability with bathing, hygiene, bowel/bladder, mobility assistance, grooming, eating assistance, dressing, lifting/transfer, cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry, errands, etc.
Q - When will PACE call me with a job?
A - Please remember that PACE is not your employer- the person who hires you to be his/her personal assistant is your employer. We at PACE do not give you job, credit or personal references - the person for whom you work may give you a reference. We do not have jobs waiting for you, nor do we guarantee that going through PA Orientation will lead to being hired. PACE maintains a list of people available to work as PA's for the convenience of people with disabilities who are looking for employees. Our job is simply to put your name and information on the list and to make the list available to employers. PACE will not call you with work: only potential employers will call you.
Q - How much does PACE pay their PAs?
A - Employers (people with disabilities), not PACE, are responsible for paying their personal assistants. The hourly rate of pay for PAs through Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Home Services is determined by collective bargaining with the PA Union, SEIU Local 880. Their toll free number is 800-321-7348 (voice) and 800-321-7348 ext 181 (Spanish). When PAs are paid by other means the amount may be different.
Q - What do I do once I am hired? Is there paperwork to fill out?
A - Many of the employers with disabilities you will work for get their PA hours paid by the DHS-Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Home Services Program. Consumers will receive a PA packet, which includes forms that you will need to fill out in order for you to be paid. Before you can begin working for your new employer with a disability, you must have your PA packet turned in to the DRS office. You will be paid two times a month. There is a payroll schedule included in the back of your PA packet. The PACE Personal Assistant Program staff can help fill out the PA packet by appointment.
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