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Career Pathways

Personal Support Specialist (PSS)

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Description of a PSS

Personal Support Specialists (PSSs) provide hands‐on assistance with daily living for older adults with functional limitations and people with disabilities. PSSs provide services related to a member’s physical requirements for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). A PSS provides these services according to an authorized plan of care, which can be different depending on where and who they are working with.

PSS Work Settings and Populations Served 

  • A PSS works with individuals of all ages with functional and physical disabilities
  • Can work in a variety of settings including home care, assisted living and residential care settings, adult day, and other health care settings.

Hiring Requirements 

The provider must conduct a background check and certain types of criminal convictions may prohibit employment as a PSS.

A person may not work as a PSS if the Certified Nursing Assistant and Direct Care Worker Registry shows they have a substantiated finding of abuse or neglect or misappropriation of property of a client, patient, or resident.

TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Complete the 50‐hour PSS training program necessary for certification

CAREER PATHWAY 

A person who is certified as a PSS can move into the following positions with additional training. Some career pathways include:

  • CRMA
  • Home Health Aide
  • CNA
  • CNA‐M
  • LPN
  • Medical Assistance
  • Nursing Degree
  • MHRT‐1
  • CIPSS
  • MHRT‐C
  • DSP