Resident Associate

Job Summary: The Resident Associates assist older people who are functionally, physically, and/or socially impaired and need 24-hour oversight. The Resident Associate’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 Tamarack Retirement Center.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Provides assistance with dressing, bathing, personal hygiene, foot care, and mobility devices and care of ADL devices such as eyeglasses, contact lens and hearing aids.
• Provides housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, emptying trash, cleaning bathrooms, making and changing beds, and personal laundry.
• Escorts residents and coordinates internal transportation needs.
• Observe and reports changes in resident’s physical condition and cognitive/emotional status to Resident Services Coordinator. Reports and assists in recording errors, incidents or accidents that are resident-related.
• Conducts room checks, resident rounds, and monitors for environmental safety hazards. Completes work orders on any maintenance needs that arise.
• Assists in a variety of tasks related to resident dining, to include escorting residents to dining room, set up and clean tables, serve meals and buss tables.
• Responsible for participating in and supporting the resident centered activity programs.
• Plans and completes duties with minimal direction from supervisor. Adheres to dress code and is professional in conduct and appearance.
• 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.
• Flexible with schedule to help cover emergency times and/or holidays.
• Knows and follows regulations and procedures required by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of the heritage, values and wisdom of the residents and an understanding of the aging process.
• Punctually and attendance, uses correct method of requesting time off.
• Works well with fellow employees and supervisor. Assists in training of new staff. Follows administrative and departmental directives supportively and effectively.
• Courteous to residents, employees and staff.
• Attends annual mandatory hospital in-services.

Education/Regulatory Requirements & Experience:

• High school diploma equivalent preferred.
• Certified Nurses Aide – State of Oklahoma required.
• Current CPR or BLS required - (can be obtained during orientation).
• Certified Mediation Aide preferred.
• Obtain a current or temporary Food Handler’s Permit offered by the Jackson County Health Department.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and communicate English language.

Skills:

• Verbal ability to understand medical and scientific terminology in order to communicate with professional staff regarding responsibilities of providing care and pharmacology services to residents.
• Ability to understand policies and procedures relating to job performance.
• Vision and hearing is essential.

Physical Demands:

• Physical conditions are clean, neat and well lighted areas. Physical stamina is needed to be able to lift, carry, stand, squat, crawl, reach, kneel, pull & twist using good body mechanics for sustained periods of time. Must be able to walk approximately four miles a day.
• Must demonstrate good health and energy and the ability to think and act independently in routine emergency situations

  FREQUENTLY USUALLY OCCASIONALLY INFREQUENTLY N/A

                                                                                                       (at least 50%) (25 – 49%) (10 – 24%) (10%)

1 Standing/Walking................................................................................................................X

2 Sitting .................................................................................................................................X

3 Twisting...............................................................................................................................X

4 Lifting/Carrying..................................................................................................................................................X

5 Pushing/Pulling.................................................................................................................................................X

6 Climbing (ascending/descending ladders/stairs) ..............................................................................................X 

7 Bending/Stooping..............................................................................................................................................X

8 Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods............................................................................................................................X 

9 Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods.............................................................................................................................X 

10 Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods........................................................................................................................ X 

11 Potential for wound care or invasive procedures................................................................................................................................... X 

HOW OFTEN ARE THESE WEIGHTS LIFTED OR CARRIED?

2 – 10 Pounds .......................................................................................................................X

11 – 20 Pounds .....................................................................................................................X

21 – 30 Pounds ...................................................................................................................................................X

31 – 40 Pounds ...........................................................................................................................................................................................X

41 – 50 Pounds ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................X

50 Pounds or more ................................................................................................................................................................................................................X

DOES THE JOB REQUIRE?

Working in hot, cold or wet surroundings................................................................................X

Working outdoors..........................................................................................................................................................................................X

Working with or near chemicals .............................................................................................X

Working near radiation sources .............................................................................................................................................................................................X

Working near fumes................................................................................................................................................................................................................X

Working with hazardous waste materials......................................................................................................................................................X

Operating vehicles or machinery...................................................................................................................................................................X

Using hand tools or power tools .............................................................................................................................................................................................X

Wearing protective clothing and equipment.............................................................................X