Personal Support Worker Jobs in USA

Being a support worker requires passion and compassion. Personal support workers are those that tend to people’s needs, especially health-related needs. They often work as healthcare aides, providing support to older people, people with disability, people who are ill, and people who need help with daily tasks. Sometimes, a personal support worker can help with housekeeping and rehabilitation.

The personal support role is very common in the US, and if you have what it takes to be one, then you should become one. Let’s see the responsibilities, requirements, qualifications, benefits, type of visa, and how to apply for a personal support role in the US.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Personal Support Worker

The roles and responsibilities of a personal support worker are quite elaborate as it cuts across different areas. A personal support worker tends to the home and personal care of their clients. Let’s explore some of the responsibilities expected from them:

• Help with light housekeeping such as doing the dishes, laundry, and making the bed.
• Take care of their clients during illness while monitoring their recovery progress and reporting to the health care professional in charge.
• Skilled in medication management while ensuring their client have their medication when due.
• Assist clients who use assistive devices and need extra support.
• Good communication skills and ability to hear the client’s needs and engage them in conversations.
• Being a companion might involve accompanying clients to social events or medical appointments.
• Proper documentation of the care provided while making observations and preparing reports of their service to the client.

Tops Cities For Personal Support Jobs in the US

If you’re looking for opportunities and a personal support worker in the US, then here are some cities that offer good wages and career growth:

1. Las Vegas

Although Las Vegas, Nevada, has a reputation for entertainment, it is one of the cities in the US that has a growing senior population. Likewise, Las Vegas has an expanding healthcare industry, which is an excellent option for personal support workers. The salary varies with different places of work; however, the average annual salary is about $ 35,000. With many retirees choosing to settle in Nevada and, by extension, Las Vegas, personal support workers are needed in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and private residences. The cost of living in the city is also relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas, making it a great place to start or grow a career in personal support services.

2. Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota, is known for its strong healthcare system with top-rated hospitals and home healthcare facilities. Working in Minneapolis is a great opportunity for both citizens and foreign nationals looking for a steady job as a personal support worker. Minnesota has favorable labor laws, which Minneapolis complies with. This helps to ensure that workers are treated fairly. The salary ranges from $37,000 per year.

3. Oakland

If you’re looking for a city in the US that offers high pay to personal support workers, Oakland should be top on your list. Although the pay range varies with certification and experience, the average salary is about $55,000 per year. The city of Oakland, California, has a strong healthcare system with an increasing need for in-home care providers, especially among the elderly. While the cost of living is high, the competitive salaries and strong job market make up for it.

4. New Orleans

The aging population in New Orleans is on the rise, which is driving up the demand for personal support workers, especially in-home caregivers and nursing aides. Aside from caring for the elderly, personal care workers are needed to provide support for people with disabilities. New Orleans has a lower cost of living and an average annual salary of $36,000, which is dependent on skill level.

5. Jersey City

Jersey City, New Jersey, has both urban and suburban areas, and personal care assistants and home health aides across these areas are in demand. They are needed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private homes. Jersey City also offers competitive salaries and benefits for healthcare workers, making it an excellent place to build a career in the field. You can expect an average salary of $37,000 on an annual basis.

Requirements and Qualifications 

Personal support worker is one of the jobs in the US that requires just your high school certificate and your work experience. Although a degree will give you leverage, most times, it’s not a major requirement. In addition to that, you must be patient and calm when helping your clients. 

Being reliable while possessing physical stamina for demanding roles is important; for instance, lifting from bed to the wheelchair and vice versa. During unplanned situations, you must be able to understand and follow emergency procedures to keep your client safe. Another key quality is being a personal support worker in the US is respecting your clients’ privacy and confidentiality.

Benefits of Working as a Personal Support Worker in the US

1. A Rewarding Profession

Being a personal support worker is not just a job; it’s a meaningful and rewarding career that gives you the opportunity to touch people’s lives. It’s a profession that allows you to care for and provide emotional support to people who need it. Nothing gives fulfillment like seeing your client progress physically, emotionally, and health-wise as a result of the positive impact you have on your clients. 

2. Flexible Schedule 

Unlike many 9-to-5 jobs, working as a personal support worker offers schedule flexibility, making it ideal for those who need a work-life balance. With the flexibility of this job role, you can choose to work a full-time role, part-time role, or casual work. Aside from that, you also get to decide what time of the day you’ll be available for work. Some personal support worker prefers working in the morning, some evening and some overnight. This way, you can self-schedule and even work with multiple clients.

3. Diverse Work Setting

One thing about working as a personal support worker is that you get to explore different work environments. This includes hospitals, care facilities, in-home services, Community health centers, and retirement homes. As a result, it offers career growth and opportunities. Learning from various work environments gives the opportunity to learn and know what to expect in varying situations.

4. Amazing Work Opportunities and Career Growth

A personal support worker is one job that guarantees career advancement. It’s a job that puts you in a place where you meet people from different works of life. This sets you up for networking and you never can tell who would be of help. Also, some employers offer tuition assistance for further studies, making it easier to advance in the healthcare field. By getting additional training, you can explore advanced healthcare areas like being a registered nurse, working in healthcare administration, case management or specialized roles in palliative care, mental health, or rehabilitation centers.

Type of US Visa for a Personal Support Worker

The following are visas you can apply for if you want to work as a personal support worker in the US.

• H-2B Temporary Visa
• EB-3 Permanent Work Visa
• B-1 Visa

Salary Expectations

The salary of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in the USA varies based on factors such as location, experience, employer type, and certifications. On average, PSWs earn between $25,000 and $45,000 per year, with an hourly wage ranging from $12 to $22. Those working in major cities or high-demand areas may earn higher wages, while rural areas may offer lower salaries. Additionally, experienced PSWs or those with specialized skills, such as dementia care or hospice support, can command better pay. Many PSWs also receive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, depending on their employer. With increasing demand for healthcare support workers, salaries and job opportunities for PSWs are expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

How to Apply as a Personal Support Worker in the US

Working as a Personal Support Worker in the US requires careful planning and the right visa. Follow these steps to start your journey:

1. Get a Good Job Offer From a US Employer

Aside from meeting the academic and experience requirements, you need to secure a job offer. This doesn’t matter if you’re a citizen or not; you still need to apply for a job and get a signed employment contract. For foreign nationals, look for job offers that offer work visa sponsorship for a hitch-free process. You can check for job openings online, hospitals, nursing homes, mental care homes, retirement homes, etc.

2. Check Licensing Requirements

In the US, some states and job roles require a license or certification to confirm that you know what you’re doing. Even though most personal support jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent, having a certification or license can increase the chance of a better role.

3. Make Your Visa Application

As a foreigner looking forward to working as a personal support worker in the US, you need to get the right visa. This depends on what opportunity you’re looking for in the US and the requirements you can meet. It’s important to know that your visa type depends on your job offer and career goals. Ensure you make your visa application correctly and follow up with your employer to ensure they do their part. Attend your visa interview, and once you have approval, get ready to move to the United States.

Begin your journey as you search and apply for Personal support worker jobs in the US.