Employee FAQ’s - Questions about PCA Services

What are the training requirements for being a PCA?
         Before being enrolled as a PCA worker, you must take and pass standardized PCA training and an exam. There is also an option to test out of the exam if you have previous experience in the field.

I have been helping a friend or family member for a long time without being paid. How can I be their PCA?
         Have your friend or family member give us a call with their name and birth date. If they are eligible we will send a PCA referral to the county and then hire you to be their PCA. When the county completes the assessment (typically after 30 days) you will be able to start working the number of hours the county determines. Contact us to get started.

Can I get paid to care for a Family Member?
        In Minnesota you can be paid to care for a family member with a few limited exceptions for spouses and minor children that are discussed below. Give us a call with the name and birth date of your family member. If they are eligible we will send a PCA referral to the county and then hire you to be their PCA. When the county completes the assessment (typically after 30 days) you will be able to start working the number of hours the county determines. Contact us to get started.

How difficult is the PCA examination?
          If you take the training modules the test is relatively simple. The test is a 25 question multiple choice examinations and you have to get 20 questions correct to pass. You can take the test as many times as you need to in order to pass without a penalty. You can find a link to the PCA test and examination on the employee’s page of our website.

Can I be the PCA for my minor child?
         Generally, parents and step parents CANNOT be the PCA for their minor children. Parents CAN be the PCA for their children who are over 18, and there are limited exceptions to the general rules. Programs that allow parents and step parents to be the PCA for their minor children are the Consumer Directed Community Supports Service; the Family Support Grant and the Consumer Support Grant.

Can I be the PCA for my spouse?
         Generally, you CANNOT be the PCA for your spouse. There are limited exceptions to the general rules. Programs that allow spouses to be the PCA for their wife or husband are the Consumer Directed Community Supports Service; the Family Support Grant and the Consumer Support Grant.

Do you have direct deposit?
        Yes, we do offer direct deposit.

What are your pay periods?
        We pay every week. Friday is PAYDAY.

I was disqualified during the background study, what can I do?
          If you are disqualified to work as a PCA you will have an opportunity to appeal the disqualification. We have prepared the “Sample Request for Reconsideration of Disqualification” to help potential employees prepare and appeal. If you are still unsure about what to do contact us.

How do I turn in my time sheets?
         We accept time sheets by fax or email; you can also drop them off at our office. The way that we find most useful for our employees, is taking a clear FULL picture of their time sheet and texting it to Tranquilityhome15@gmail.com, this seems to be the easiest and most efficient way to transmit your time sheet to our Agency. Time sheets are due EVERY Monday by 9pm unless you worked past 9pm on Monday night, in that situation your time sheet will be due by 10am Tuesday morning.

How much do you pay?
         Our pay rates vary based upon a number of factors. We consider your experience, and the number of hours the client you are working with receives among other factors when making an offer regarding compensation. We strive to pay the highest wageType your paragraph here.