Job Description

of Responsibilities

Resident Assistants assist older people who are functionally, physically, and or socially impaired and need 24-hour oversight. The Resident Assistant’s role is to assist residents with those activities of daily living that they are unable to perform without help, fostering at all times residents’ independence and freedom of choice. All responsibilities will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the philosophy of assisted living.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Provides assistance with:

• Dressing and undressing (clothing should be clean and appropriate for the season)
• Bathing
• Personal hygiene 9shaving, dental hygiene, nail care, hair and foot care)
• Mobility devices (canes, walker, wheelchair, crutches) including monitoring of safe transfer and ambulation techniques
• Care of ADL devices such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: Provides assistance with:

• Telephone (assists with calls, phone repairs, hearing and vision adaptive devices)
• Housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, emptying trash, cleaning bathroom, bed making, and bed changes
• Laundry
• Escorts residents and coordinates internal transportation needs
• Mail delivery, residents’ personal correspondence

Health Maintenance and Monitoring Tasks:

• Observes and reports changes in residents’ physical condition and cognitive/emotional status to Resident Services Coordinator as needed
• Conducts room checks and resident rounds
• Monitors for environmental safety hazards
• Records incidents, errors, or accidents
• Records resident and resident-related events

Dining:

• Assists in a variety of tasks related to dining (escort residents to /from dining room, set up and clean tables, serve meals, bus tables)

Activity Program:

• Responsible for participating in and supporting the resident-centered activity program

Emergency Preparedness:

• Responds to and acts appropriately in emergency or disaster situations

Leadership:

• Plans and completes duties with minimal direction from supervisor
• Works collaboratively with peers and other team members
• Uses tactful, diplomatic communication techniques in potentially sensitive or emotionally charged situations
• Follows up with appropriate staff, residents, or other individuals regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns
• Acts as ambassador and public relations representative to guests and other off-campus visitors
• Maintains all certifications required for employment

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Orders and monitors appropriate use of resident care, office and other needed supplies
• Copies special paperwork or forms
• Prepares and maintains resident census records

Other Duties:

• Demonstrates an appreciation of the heritage, values, and wisdom of the residents and an understanding of the aging process
• Attends and participates in staff meetings
• Participates in in-service, projects or committees as assigned
• Assists with quality assurance programs when indicated
• Assists in training of new staff

Qualifications:

• Must be able to think, act, and intervene independently in both routine and emergency situations. Must be self-motivated and function as an “in charge person.”
• Must be able to relate to residents and staff in a courteous and diplomatic manner under all circumstances.
• Must be able to work flexible hours and participate in holiday activities

Working Conditions:

• Exposed to body fluids, infection, odors, and behavior of residents;
• Exposed to chemicals/cleaning solutions.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift, carry, stand, bend, squat, crawl, reach, and kneel using good body mechanics for sustained periods of time;
• Must possess sight/hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met;
• Must be able to walk approximately four miles daily;
• Must be able to lift/push 50 pounds;
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability in order to cope with the physical, mental and emotional stress of the position.

Experience:

• Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person