Elder Life Specialist

Join Community
Community Health Network was created by our neighbors, for our neighbors. Over 60 years later, “community” is still the heart of our organization. It means providing our neighbors with the best care possible, backed by state-of-the-art technology. It means getting involved in the communities we serve through volunteer opportunities and benefits initiatives. It means ensuring our dedicated caregivers can learn and grow to stay at the top of their fields and to better serve our patients. And above all, it means exceptional care, simply delivered — and we couldn’t do it without you.

Make a Difference
The Elder Life Specialist (ELS) is an integral member of the Geriatric Evaluation Management (GEM) team in operating the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). The ELS evaluates and enrolls older adult inpatients at high risk of developing complications in the hospital. Under the supervision of the inpatient geriatrics team, the ELS assists in training and assigning volunteers to deliver patient interventions. These interventions include the Daily Visitor Program, Therapeutic Activities, Early Mobilization Program, Nutritional/Hydration Program, and Sleep Enhancement Program.

Exceptional Skills and Qualifications
Applicants for this position should be able to collaborate with others in a team setting, have excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude toward problem-solving.

- Bachelor’s degree in a Health Science field of study required. Preferred discipline Recreational Therapy. 
- 2 + years prior healthcare experience, preferably with geriatric population required.
- Program Support\: Participates in the implementation of the Hospital Elder Life Program through assessing and implementing therapeutic programming for an assigned population.
- Patient Support\: Assess, implement and evaluate appropriate eligibility for older adults to participate in HELP. Assess, implement and evaluate the preparation and educational needs of volunteers working with HELP patients. Participates in interdisciplinary health care services to achieve patient and family-centered care.
- Reporting and Documentation\: Documents and maintains updated patient information pertaining to services provided, including data tracking and monitoring.
- Education and Training\: Participates in team building activities. Accountable for professional development.
- Individuals may not perform all of these duties, or may perform additional, related duties not listed here.