Lutheran Senior Services

Job Description: 

Summary:

Demonstrates the philosophy of the sponsoring Lutheran congregations, through upholding the LSS mission of “Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest”, core values and

code of conduct. Administers medication and physical care to residents while assisting the Charge Nurse in accordance with our established nursing care procedures and as may be directed by your Charge Nurse, Supervisors or DON. Works as a member of and collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team with a focus on maintaining the resident as the director of their care.

Responsibilities:

Performs all Resident Assistant (RA) duties as needed or when directed.

Prepares, administers and documents medication as defined by the State approved CMA curriculum and under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Observes residents for side effects, interactions and implications of common medications.

Follows all safety procedures and protocol as dictated by LSS policy, federal and state regulations and standard nursing practice and reports all hazardous conditions, defective equipment and accidents or incidents to the Charge Nurse immediately.

Core Competencies

Person-Directed, Quality Focused Care to including the following:

• Through interaction and observation of resident’s individual preferences, concerns and desires creates and maintains an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and
• positive emphasis, as well as a calm resident environment.
• Takes direction and cues from each resident as an individual to tailor their interactions with and care of each resident based on direction and feedback from
• the resident.
• Actively participates in continuous quality improvement and looks for ways to make things better and listens to and shares ideas.
• Protect and support resident rights and immediately reports any violations to the appropriate personnel.

Leadership and Partnership to include the following:

• Takes active role in providing quality care and services, contributing to resident/customer outcomes and the organization’s success.
• Takes initiative. If you know something needs to be complete then use initiative and complete the task.
• Shares thoughts, ideas and suggestions and provides input when requested.
• Accepts responsibility for doing the job the right way and admits and learns from mistakes.
• Contributes to making everyone feel that they belong. Do not offend, make fun of, embarrass or gossip about coworkers.
• Open to new ideas, different points of view and changes.
• Discusses and resolves differences constructively, shares concerns appropriately and directly with those involved and/or obtains direction from supervisor or Human Resources.
• Practices good stewardship, uses resources wisely and responsibly.

Learning and Teaching Centered to include the following:

• Encourages and supports residents to continue to learn and grow.
• Promotes resident independence by taking the needed time to work with residents and encouraging residents to live life to the fullest.
• Looks for and helps to create new opportunities for residents to participate and/or make a contribution.
• Seeks opportunities to grow skills and knowledge, whether through formal or informal means.
• Attends and participates in scheduled training and educational classes, orientation programs, and activities.

Customer Service Driven in interactions with residents, family members, co-workers and all other customers to include the following:

• Friendly to residents, families and coworkers. Smiles and uses basic manners, such as greeting people in a warm manner, offering to help, and thanking
• customers for the opportunity to serve them.
• Answers phones in a polite manner, greeting the caller, giving your name and asking what you can do for the caller.
• Shows concern for customers by listening closely, apologizes for any problems, is supportive and makes sure everyone feels appreciated and valued.
• Provides service always identifying yourself and explaining what you are doing. Respects privacy, follows HIPPA requirements, only shares information on an as
• needed basis and always knocks on a resident’s door before entering.
• Represents the organization and coworkers in a positive light to residents, family members and other customers.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Education: High School diploma or GED required or three to six months related experience. Must have successfully completed an approved course in medication
• administration.
• Certification/Licensure: Current Level 1 Medication Aide Certification in the state of practice. Must complete state required in-service hours to maintain certification.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one on one and small group situations.
• Computer Operations: Basic computer skills, limited to retrieving data and data entry.

Other Qualifications

• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must have patience and be willing and able to handle combative residents.
• Supervision: General supervision: routine duties are performed with minimal supervision; standard practices and procedures allow employee to proceed alone at routine work; occasional check of work while in progress; work is reviewed upon completion.
• Reports to: Director of Nursing. Daily work assignments are delegated and performance may be monitored by Charge Nurse, Nursing Supervisor or other nursing personnel. Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical activities, demands and working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk to hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull 45 lbs.

A well-lighted and ventilated working area that has its own temperature control system (air conditioning and heat). Is subject to emotionally upset residents, or family members. Is willing to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. Is subject to exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B virus within guidelines of standard precautions. Appropriate ergonomic and personal safety equipment is provided as needed.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by those assigned to this classification. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by those occupying this position. The job description and job functions described herein are subject to possible modification by LSS in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.