New

Patient Care Assistant

University of California - San Francisco

per union contract step range

United States, California, San Francisco

505 Parnassus Avenue (Show on map)

Jun 06, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) in the Perianesthesia (Pre-op/PACU) department functions under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) to support safe, efficient, and patient-centered care in a high-acuity perioperative environment. The primary role of the PCA is to facilitate patient throughput by safely transporting patients to Pre-op for surgery and post-operatively to inpatient units or discharge locations. The PCA also performs delegated patient care activities, including vital signs, mobility assistance, activities of daily living, room turnover, and stocking, while promoting patient safety, quality care, and effective team communication.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

% of time	Essential Function (Yes/No)	Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)
65	yes	Patient Transport and Throughput Support: Facilitate safe and timely patient movement throughout the perioperative continuum, including transport to Pre-op for surgery and post-operatively to inpatient units, procedural areas, or discharge locations to support patient flow and operational efficiency.
20		Unit Readiness and Supply Management: Maintain patient care environment readiness through stocking of supplies, equipment organization, and room turnover to support efficient perioperative operations.
10		Direct Patient Care Support: Assist the RN with delegated patient care activities to support patient safety, comfort, mobility, activities of daily living, and basic clinical tasks within scope of role and training.
5		Communication and Team Collaboration: Communicate patient transport status, patient needs, and operational concerns with the interdisciplinary team to promote patient safety, quality care, and efficient workflow.
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100%		(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Required Qualifications:

Ability to work effectively within a team.
Ability to satisfactorily perform job duties as defined in the job description.
Willingness to be taught/learn new skills.
Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations (addition and subtraction).
Ability to organize and effectively set priorities.
Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the responsibilities of the job is preferred.
Ability to carry out duties of first responder in emergency situations.
Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training.
Basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications:

Ability to work effectively within a team.
Ability to satisfactorily perform job duties as defined in the job description.
Willingness to be taught/learn new skills.
Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic computations (addition and subtraction).
Ability to organize and effectively set priorities.
Knowledge of medical terminology appropriate to the responsibilities of the job is preferred.
Ability to carry out duties of first responder in emergency situations.
Successful completion of Medical Center Patient Care Assistant training.
Basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications: