Job Title: Care Specialist
Reports To: Team Leader
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Prepared By: K. Leonarska, T. Foster
Prepared Date: 5/31/2021
Approved By: J. Zobrist
Approved Date: 6/1/2021
SUMMARY: Under the supervision of and in collaboration with the Program Manager and Team Leader, the Care Specialist empowers participants to be independent and engage in small group and individual activities of their choice. Care Assistants also support participants with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. The Care Specialist of Just Friends Adult Day Services:
- Provide quality care and assistance to participants following the Just Friends philosophy, policies, and participants’ rights
- Assist participants in meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
- Observe and report pertinent information to supervisory staff and Nursing personnel
- While maintaining dignity, ensure facility is secure for participants who at times wander away, being always alert to the whereabouts of every participant
- Prepare and serve food to participants, including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks
- Encourage participant independence by practicing Person-Centered Care. Support individual participant needs by assisting with activities of daily living. These include, but are not limited to; assistance in toileting, grooming, feeding, dressing, and walking.
- Initiate and encourage socialization among participants by facilitating small group activities that empower participants to pursue their interests
- Based on the Monthly Calendar plan and lead different types of activities. This may include but is not limited to art, crafts, daily games, and exercises.
- Organize activity This may include but is not limited to assisting with cleaning and setting up the Activity Room.
- Maintain confidentiality of participants and their families
- Establish and maintain good relationships with participants and their families
- Provide support to participants and families on an ongoing basis considering the stresses of full-time caregiving experienced by family caregivers
- Demonstrate competence in CPR administration and first aid in emergencies and be willing to learn these skills to maintain certification.
- Attend monthly in-services/ staff meetings to increase or maintain a knowledge base to serve and care for participants
- Follow proper procedure for clocking in and out for work schedule
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification as a Certified Adult Day Services Program Assistant required within 1 year of hire.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, write and speak in English. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the participants, caregivers, managers, and staff.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Ability to use a computer, iPod, copy machines, and printer. Ability to communicate effectively via email.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
At a minimum, this individual is certified as an Adult Day Activity Assistant, CPR, and First Aid.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 25-50 pounds with assistance (if needed to help lift/transport a participant).
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This person may occasionally be exposed to communicable diseases and should be competent in effective hygiene needed to protect themself and others from blood pathogens.
