Personal Attendant Career Guide
Learn what personal attendants do, how to get started, and what you can earn working with individuals who need daily living support.
What Is a Personal Attendant?
A Personal Attendant (PA) provides individualized support to people with physical disabilities, chronic illness, or aging-related needs. Unlike a general caregiver, a PA often works one-on-one with a single client and becomes deeply integrated into supporting that person's specific lifestyle and goals. Services may include personal care, transportation, errands, and companionship.
Job Outlook
Demand for personal attendants continues to rise as the preference for aging in place increases and state Medicaid programs expand home and community-based services (HCBS).
How to Become a Personal Attendant
- 1Check state requirementsRequirements for personal attendants vary by state. Many states allow individuals to begin working after a background check and basic employer training.
- 2Complete onboarding trainingEmployers provide training in personal care, safety, documentation, and client rights. Some states require a state-registered training program.
- 3Obtain CPR / First AidA current CPR and First Aid certification is standard for most personal attendant positions.
- 4Build a strong reference historyClients and families often value personal referrals. Prior experience in caregiving, elder care, or disability support strengthens your application.
- 5Apply and get matchedOneWell Healthcare matches personal attendants with clients based on schedule, location, and care needs. The hiring process is quick — often starting within days of applying.
Required Skills
- ✓Discretion and respect for client privacy
- ✓Physical assistance with mobility and transfers
- ✓Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- ✓Transportation and errand support
- ✓Medication reminders
- ✓Basic record keeping
- ✓Adaptability to client routines and preferences
Certifications
- →CPR / First Aid (required)
- →Personal Care Aide (PCA) certification (state-specific)
- →Home Health Aide (HHA) certification
- →Valid driver's license (usually required)
Why Work as a PA at OneWell Healthcare?
Personal Attendant Jobs by State
Click a state to see salary data, local requirements, and open positions near you.
Open Personal Attendant Positions at OneWell
19 active openings — updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working as a PA.
What does a Personal Attendant do?
A Personal Attendant provides non-medical support services to individuals in their homes and communities. Responsibilities may include assistance with activities of daily living, companionship, meal preparation, transportation, community participation, and light housekeeping. The goal of a Personal Attendant is to help individuals maintain independence, dignity, choice, and quality of life while supporting their personal goals and daily needs.
Who do Personal Attendants support?
OneWell Personal Attendants may support children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with a variety of needs. Many assignments involve supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who receive services through California Regional Centers and other community-based programs. Support is individualized and may include assistance with daily living activities, community participation, personal care, companionship, and promoting independence in home and community settings. Services are provided in accordance with each individual's authorized service plan, applicable program requirements, company policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
Is this a healthcare or nursing position?
No. Personal Attendants provide non-medical support services and do not independently perform nursing services, medical diagnosis, clinical assessments, or licensed therapeutic services.
What types of support may I provide?
Depending on the assignment, Personal Attendants may assist with personal care and hygiene support, meal preparation and nutrition assistance, household organization and light housekeeping, community participation and social engagement, transportation and appointment assistance, companionship and emotional support, daily routine support and independent living activities, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), promoting independence and community inclusion, assisting individuals in achieving personal goals identified in their service plans, and supporting participation in educational, vocational, recreational, and community activities. Responsibilities vary by assignment and individual needs.
What services are not provided by Personal Attendants?
Personal Attendants do not independently provide nursing services, medical diagnosis or treatment, clinical assessments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral health treatment requiring professional licensure, or services requiring professional licensure unless specifically authorized, trained, supervised, and permitted by applicable law and program requirements.
Do I need experience to apply?
Experience is helpful but not always required. OneWell welcomes compassionate, dependable, and service-oriented individuals who are committed to supporting others. Training and orientation are provided for qualified candidates.
What qualifications do I need?
Qualifications may vary by assignment but generally include ability to provide compassionate and respectful support, professional communication skills, reliable attendance and dependability, ability to complete required onboarding requirements, ability to pass required screenings and background checks, and authorization to work in the United States. Additional qualifications may apply depending on assignment requirements and state regulations.
Do I need a driver's license?
Some positions require reliable transportation and a valid driver's license, while others may not. Assignment-specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
What are the work schedules?
Available schedules may include full-time, part-time, day shifts, evening shifts, weekend shifts, and overnight shifts. Schedules vary based on individual needs, service plans, and location.
Will all assignments be the same?
No. Duties, schedules, work environments, support needs, and populations served vary by individual and assignment. Employees receive information regarding specific responsibilities and expectations before accepting an assignment whenever possible.
Will I receive training?
Yes. OneWell provides orientation and training in accordance with company policies, program requirements, and applicable state regulations. Additional training may be required depending on the assignment and support needs of the individual receiving services.
What physical requirements may be involved?
Depending on the assignment, Personal Attendants may be required to stand, walk, bend, and reach, assist with mobility-related tasks, lift, carry, or move items within company guidelines, travel to service locations, and perform household-related tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Is a background check required?
Yes. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required screenings, background checks, reference checks, and any applicable state-specific requirements.
What benefits does OneWell offer?
Eligible employees may have access to benefits such as medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, employee assistance programs, professional development opportunities, employee recognition programs, and other company-sponsored benefits. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary by position, location, and employment status.
How much does the position pay?
Compensation varies based on assignment, location, experience, qualifications, and applicable laws. Pay ranges, where required by law, are included in the applicable job posting.
Is OneWell an Equal Opportunity Employer?
Yes. OneWell Health Care is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Do you provide accommodations during the hiring process?
Yes. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, or hiring process may contact OneWell Human Resources for assistance.
Does this FAQ create an employment contract?
No. This FAQ is provided for informational purposes only and does not create an employment contract, guarantee employment, or alter the at-will nature of employment where permitted by law. Employment with OneWell is at-will unless otherwise provided by applicable law or a written agreement signed by authorized representatives of the company.
Why Join OneWell?
At OneWell Health Care, our Personal Attendants make a meaningful difference every day by helping individuals live safely, independently, and with dignity in their homes and communities. We proudly support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), seniors, and others who need assistance to live successful and fulfilling lives. Our team members help promote independence, inclusion, community engagement, personal choice, and quality of life for the individuals we serve. OneWell is committed to supporting employees through training, professional development, teamwork, and a culture built on compassion, respect, accountability, and service excellence. Join OneWell and help make a positive impact in someone's life every day.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended as a general overview of the Personal Attendant position. Actual duties, qualifications, schedules, assignments, compensation, populations served, and requirements may vary based on individual needs, location, program requirements, business necessity, and applicable laws and regulations.
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