Resident Care Assistant

OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of this job position is to assist with resident care duties that do not require the specific training program for Certified Nursing Assistant Licensure. The responsibilities are to assure residents a clean, comfortable, pleasant environment. As well as provide a homelike dining experience in accordance with the Rouse Home established policies and procedures, which follow current federal, state and local regulations in order to assure that the comprehensive needs of the residents are met/maintained on an individual basis while upholding Resident Rights.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of people. Works closely with all staff to uphold and further the mission, vision and values of the Rouse Home. Work as a cooperative and contributing member of a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week care team to accomplish and make sure the following work is being done:

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORK:

Direct Resident Activities:

1. Support a positive, homelike environment for the residents including making beds, keeping residents’ rooms neat and organized, stocking general room supplies, labeling personal belongings.

2. Respond to call bells, and alerting nursing staff of resident needs.

3. Provide social and emotional support of residents including: 1:1 engagement and support.

4. Processes resident diet information and maintains resident tray tickets with preferences. Has good knowledge of Resident diets/allergies for accuracy in serving.

5. Provides Pre-Meal set up:

a. Conducts timely delivery of household food.

b. Performs outlined food preparation duties.

c. Arranges food on the steam table and assures quality and availability of items needed for all Residents.

d. Ensures that food served to Residents is the proper temperature and maintains necessary paperwork.

6. Assist with meal service during designated meal times; transport residents to and from meals, setting up for individual meal service, passing beverages, and meals.

7. Communicating appropriate nutrition concerns and messages to dietitian, dietary manager, or cooks for follow up.

8. Provides Post-Meal clean up:

a. Clean up of dining room food, tables and dishes.

b. Conducts timely return of household food/dishware etc. to kitchen.

9. Provide beverage cart service on a regular schedule or as needed by a resident.

10. Prepares between meal nourishments and snacks on a regular schedule or as needed by a resident.

Household Activities:

1. Maintains overall cleanliness, organization and sanitation of household kitchen and dining areas.

2. Maintains adequate quantity and quality floor supplies for assigned household without overstocking.

3. Documents the temperatures of the refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher according to policy.

4. Prepares any specialty items for Residents as needed i.e., special diet, holidays, special occasions.

5. Monitors bulk food quantities and works with production staff to minimize food waste.

General Activities

1. Participates in staff meetings, mandatory in-services and training programs to ensure continued understanding of all department policies, procedures and CQI programs and processes.

2. Maintains established department policies, procedures, objectives, QA, safety, environmental and infection controls.

3. Participates in unit/department performance improvement activities to ensure the development and implementation of processes which support quality service and effective work performance.

4. Other duties may be assigned by the LPN as needed

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Work in well-lighted/ventilated work areas, as well as throughout the nursing service areas.

2. Sitting, standing, bending, lifting and moving intermittently during working hours.

3. Subject to frequent interruptions.

4. Involved with residents, family members, personnel, visitors, etc., under all conditions/circumstances.

5. Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.

6. Communicates with nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.

7. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

8. Attend and participate in continuing educational programs as directed.

9. Subject to falls, burns from equipment, infectious diseases, substances, odors, etc. throughout the work day.

10. Be economical and careful with supplies, equipment, etc.

11. Follow all established policies and procedures, to include nursing care procedures, safety regulations, personnel policies, etc., to assure that quality resident care can be maintained.

SAFETY/HOUSEKEEPING:

1. Report any resident leaving the premises, or who has left the premises to the charge nurse immediately. Assist wandering resident from leaving building for resident safety.

2. Keep floors dry and free of unnecessary equipment, supplies, etc., to prevent accidents.

3. Assure that established smoking regulations are followed by personnel, visitors, residents, and the general public. Report violations to the charge nurse immediately.

4. Keep supply room and work areas clean at all times.

5. Wash hands at appropriate times to maintain infection control.

6. Watch for and report any changes in room temperature, ventilation, lighting, etc.

7. Report all hazardous conditions and equipment to the charge nurse immediately.

8. Wash wheelchairs, walkers, etc., as directed.

9. Assure that work/assignment areas are clean and equipment, tools, supplies, etc., are properly stored before leaving such areas on break, end of work day, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education :

Must pass basic academic skills review.

High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Experience :

Prior experience in health care field setting is helpful.

Prior experience working with the elderly is desirable.

Direct Care or Food service experience a plus.

On the job training is provided.

Qualifications:

Must be able to comprehend and communicate in English i.e. read, write and speak the English language.

Must be kind, gentle, patient, organized and able to accept constructive suggestions.

Must be flexible and maintain a positive attitude.

Must be able to work in a team as a contributing team member.

Is willing to work beyond scheduled working hours.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors etc.

Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.

Maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, appearance of work areas, safety and proper performance of assigned duties.

Dress code: Business casual, no jeans, no open toe shoes, no t-shirts unless Rouse shirts.