PCA - Signature Services

Job Title: Signature Services Personal Care Associate Department: Resident Care Date Revised: 6/13/2019 Reports To: TCD/MMD FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Code: 7304   Relationship:   The Signature Services Companion will report to the TCD or HCD depending on program assignment.  In CT, the Companion reports to the SALSA with a reporting line also to the TCD or HCD.      Purpose:    The Signature Services Companion provides companionship to those residents requiring socialization and/or minimum guidance to assure a protected environment.  The primary goal of a Signature Services Companion is to provide our residents and families with a World Class experience by establishing and maintaining a therapeutic and caring relationship, with the resident for whom the associate provides 1:1 companionship.    PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   Advocacy Recognizes and can assist in the prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (financial or other) Recognizes and reports to TCD- HCD – RCD and/or SALSA a change in a resident’s condition Knows and complies with all resident rights   Analysis / Reporting Reports shift updates in communication log Timely reports resident and family concerns and issues Timely reports residents’ change of condition and / or needs   Communication Effectively communicates with residents, families and friends of residents Efficiently documents and provides accurate record-keeping as appropriate Assures resident information is communicated to the staff through the report process and calendar (i.e., appointments, outings, etc.) Communicates and documents residents’ material needs (i.e., briefs, clothing, toothpaste, pads, etc.) Accurately completes incident reports prior to the end of the working day Appropriately handles follow-up issues with families   Compliance and Safety Demonstrates personal and resident safety Answers residents’ urgent call alarms in a timely manner Reviews and demonstrates fire, safety, and elopement procedures Responds to emergencies and personal emergency response system and knows when to call for backup Reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations   Customer Service Provides companionship by reading, conversation and listening Participates in appropriate recreational activities and hobbies for social and sensory stimulation Assists the resident with necessary phone calls, letter writing, computer operation, etc. Maintains a safe environment within the resident’s apartment Accompanies the resident on walks, community trips, doctor’s office visits, bank, etc. Supports the resident, family and friends as a member of the Resident Care team Demonstrates understanding of the emotional stress of having an aged loved one by responding professionally and sensitively to the family’s needs Provides emotional support and promotes a sense of well-being May perform light housekeeping/laundry to maintain a clean, neat environment Delivers World Class service in a friendly, helpful, and courteous manner with resident and family satisfaction as a priority Effectively communicates with residents, families and friends of resident Provides an engaged dining experience that meets the expectations of our residents and families Demonstrates an understanding of the resident’s history, interests, physical and cognitive abilities to help provide a successful living experience   Facilities Maintenance Focuses on the cleanliness and tidiness of the resident’s suite Assists in cleaning spills / soilage Reports any malfunctioning equipment, appliances, fixtures, etc. Does not leave any in-use equipment unattended Efficiently launders resident laundry   Organization / Prioritization Follows daily work schedules as directed and identifies and acts on non-scheduled tasks Shows a consistent ability to coordinate multiple tasks Maintains a positive attitude when working under pressure   Problem Solving / Decision Making Responds to emergencies and personal emergency response system and knows when to call for backup Effectively handles difficult resident behaviors Reacts calmly and effectively in emergency     Public Relations / Marketing   Represents the community with a positive attitude and pride when interacting with potential residents and families Physical Environment Reports any malfunctioning equipment, appliances, fixtures, etc. in maintenance log; in cases of emergency report directly to supervisor Does not leave any in-use equipment unattended Ensures a clean and sanitary environment Washes and dries resident’s personal laundry in accordance with Benchmark Standards and Practices, using cleaning products appropriate to the type of wash, folding clean clothes and returning to the appropriate resident   EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/LICENSURE- CERTIFICATICATION   Education   High School Diploma preferred Proof of valid Driver’s License with clean driving record (if providing Escorted Transportation)   Skills and Abilities Demonstrates proficiency in the English language through oral and written communication to ensure safety and compliance for all our residents. Demonstrates knowledge of all necessary Standards and Practices: including but not limited to: Use of walkie talkies, beeper, and keys Nametag and uniform Proper and timely punches Alarm system Fire safety and elopement All equipment in resident’s room    PHYSICAL JOB ANALYSIS JOB TITLE: Resident Care Associate, Lead Aide, Universal Worker The principal duties and responsibilities are listed in the formal job description. This form is intended to provide a summary of the physical demands of the job.   Frequency   Frequency   Unanticipated Seldom  (1-5% of time) Occasional (6-33% of time) Frequent (34-66% of time) Constant (67-100% of time)     Unanticipated Seldom  (1-5% of time) Occasional (6-33% of time) Frequent (34-66% of time) Constant (67-100% of time) LIFT/CARRY (OBJECTS)   EQUIPMENT Objects up to 10 lbs.         X   Transfer Devices/Gait Belts       X   Objects 11-20 lbs.         X   Kitchen Equipment   X       Objects 21-35 lbs.         X   Ladders X         Objects 36-75 lbs.*       X     Maintenance Equipment X         Objects 76-100lbs.*       X     Tablets/Computers/Office     X     *Weights in excess of 35 lbs. will be reviewed for 2-person or mechanical assist   Vehicles/Driving   X       PUSH/ PULL FORCE **   ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES Wheelchair with Resident 10-50lbs.       X     Indoors         X Resident Lift Equipment 10-60 lbs.       X     Outdoors     X     2 Wheel Dolly/ 4 Wheel Cart 5-35lbs.   X         Extreme Heat   X       Floor Cleaning Equipment 5-25 lbs. X           Extreme Cold   X       **Push/pull force is measured as the peak force required to start object moving   Dusty X         POSTURES   Excessive Noise X         Sitting     X       RESIDENT MOBILITY ASSISTANCE Standing         X   One/two person manual transfer (up to 35 lbs. lifting force per person)       X   Walking on even surface         X   Bed positioning (lateral movement of resident in bed)       X   Walking on uneven surface     X       Chair boosting (assisting resident to sit up in a chair)       X   Climbing/Stairs     X       Assist Walking with Gait Belt       X   Bend/Stoop/Twist         X   ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Crouching/Squatting       X     Physical Exams or Health Screenings (as required by state) Kneel/Crawling   X         TB Test Reach Above Shoulders     X       Annual Flu Shot Reach Waist to Shoulders         X   COVID Vaccinations and Boosters Reach Below Waist       X     Personal Protective Equipment (nitrile gloves, gown, mask, etc.) Repetitive Arm Use       X     N95 Respirator (must be clean shaven such that any facial hair does not impact the respirator seal) Repetitive Wrist/Hand Use       X     Exposure to House Pets Hand grasping (power grip)       X     Exposure to Needles and Sharps Fine manipulation hands/fingers       X       When working with our resident population, you may on occasion be exposed to certain risks related to medical conditions or progressive diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. These risks include communicable diseases as well as agitation and/or aggressive behaviors which may be verbal or physical. Because you are working so closely with the resident, you may be the target of this aggression. Understanding that these behaviors are related to a medical condition and/or disease process and are not in any way personal, is key to maintaining dignity and respect for our residents in all avenues of care. Benchmark is committed to workplace safety, and to the extent there is any concern relating to safety hazards in the performance of the job, you should immediately report your concerns as directed in the Employee Handbook.