Residential Assistant-Weekends

SUMMARY

The Residential Assistant provides support to the Citizen Home Manager/Supervisor by assisting with the needs of the Citizens in the home by creating a safe, happy, and healthy home for the Citizens that aligns with the culture of Grace Place.

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Assists residents with their direct care needs including their personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Assists with preparation and serving meals as directed and in view of any special or prescribed diets.
• Assists Citizens with their transfer into and out of beds, wheelchairs, lavatories, and automobiles.
• Performs housekeeping activities (i.e., vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning windows in the citizens' room) to ensure the home remains clean, presentable, and maintains image excellence. Assists Citizens with their chores such as laundry, making their beds, and straightening up their rooms.
• Participates in leisure time activities both in and outside the home and, occasionally, on and off campus. Reads aloud, plays cards and other board games, and participates in physical fitness routines with the citizens.
• Performs a variety of miscellaneous duties as requested such as picking up food and household supplies and running errands necessary for the efficient operation of the home.
• Accompanies citizens outside the home, serving as guide, companion, and aide.
• Works safely and looks after the safety of the citizens and co-workers. Immediately reports unsafe conditions. Identifies and reports any signs and concerns of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Develop friendly and appropriate relationships with Citizens that back the trust required to perform the duties of the job.
• Positively and professionally interact with BiG Staff, Citizens, families of Citizens, and other professionals in the work environment.
• Serves as "on call" in emergency situations whereby it would be unsafe for the residents to leave the home.

• Any other duty as deemed appropriate by the Residential Home Manager, Weekend Supervisor, or Director of Residential.

II.QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and Experience - GED is required. Qualification as CNA and previous experience working with adults with functional disabilities is desirable, but not required. Knowledge of basic first aid and safety, basic hygiene, and CPR training helpful but not required. Incumbents are expected to participate in on-going professional training opportunities to enhance their knowledge of specific disabilities to better understand the Citizens' medical and psychological needs.
• Skills and Abilities - Residential Assistants should possess personal characteristics such as trustworthiness, patience, tolerance, and a willingness to learn more about specific disabilities and adapt expectations. They should have a strong sense of responsibility as well as being respectful of different ways of living and communicating. The Residential Assistant must have a strong sense of serving and caring for the needs of adults with functional disabilities.
• Interpersonal Skills-Must be able to establish trust and rapport, and to set healthy boundaries in their work with the Citizens. They will work with Citizens who might struggle to related to fellow Citizens in the residential setting.
• Language Skills-Ability to read, interpret, and communicate documents such as safety procedures, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy and procedure manuals. Ability to write comprehensive reports and correspondence.
• Organizational Skills-Residential Assistants often must maintain a balance of many duties and responsibilities and should be willing to provide input in the planning of day-to-day activities, routines, and expectations.
• Problem Solving Skills-Residential Assistant will need to model effective problem-solving skills for Citizens.
• Reasoning Ability - Residential Assistant should have the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of individual behavioral and emotional issues while ensuring the safety of the Citizen. This position requires a flexible individual; someone able to multi-task and adjust to the many variables found between assignments.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations - Consideration given to licensed CNS's and those with CPR and First Aid certifications. Must possess a valid driver's license from the State of Texas and a safe driving record.

III. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Residential Assistant to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, an employee is frequently required to communicate by listening or writing. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; stoop; kneel; bend; crouch; crawl; and climb stairs. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or transfer a citizen to and from a wheelchair or bed. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs. (i.e., when transferring a citizen to and from a bed or a wheelchair).

• WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment is that of a large, modern group home. While performing the duties of this job, the Residential Assistant may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to chemicals, paints, extreme heat and extreme cold.