Lead Caregiver

Category: Healthcare Sub-Category: Clinical Care Position Type (Portal Searching) Regular Full-Time Shift: All Shifts ID: 2025-276308 Location : Name: Brookdale Des Plaines-BAH Location : Address: 800 S. River Road Location : Location: US-IL-Des Plaines Job Code: 101541 Work Location: On-Site

Overview

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You’ll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.

Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Associate assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
• Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility

• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Company provided life insurance
• Adoption benefit
• Disability (short and long term)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Optional life and dependent life insurance
• Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant’s skills and experience. Role is also eligible for team based bonus opportunities. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company’s 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.

Responsibilities

Provides direct care to clients following an individual service plan. Treats each client with respect and dignity, recognizes individual needs, and encourages independence. Fosters a homelike atmosphere throughout the community. Serves as a resource to other staff members. Will alternate “on call" with the agency manager and be responsible for providing staffing coverage.

Assists clients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring and getting to and from activities and meals according to the individual service plan. Allows and encourages clients to do as much of their own care as possible.

Encourages clients to socialize and participate in planned activities or programs and todevelop friendships with other clients.

Maintains client’s records daily in a timely manner and in accordance with company policy and procedures.

Assists clients with medications as defined in medication procedure.

Assists with pet care as needed.

Provides transportation to doctor’s appointments and other errands.

Maintains client’s confidentiality.

Communicates effectively with clients, families and collaborative team. Notifies agency manager of any change in client’s condition/status.

Assists with admission of new clients on BAH services.

Assists agency manager with schedule changes in the BAH scheduling system.

Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly environment for the clients. Performs general housekeeping, following cleaning schedules for client laundry, bedrooms, dining area, living space, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.

Follows proper procedures in emergency situations and responds promptly and positively to client requests for assistance, including emergency pull cords, telephone calls, and requests from family and friends.

Contacts other care givers to fill vacancies in the schedule.

Assumes supervisory role in the absence of the agency manager, including the direction of client care staff problem resolution.

Assists staff with training/orientation.

Covers BAH cases in the event that care associates cannot be secured to provide services to client(s).

Manages on-call/after office hours and weekend’s business needs as assigned.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Qualifications

Education and Experience High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred and three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and e-mail. Basic typing skills are essential. Knowledge on how to use a mouse, printer, scanner and fax machine is desired. One year work experience in direct service with older adults and knowledge of dementia, particularly of Alzheimer's type, is helpful.

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements In accordance with state law, may need to possess current state certification and follow regulations to maintain current certification. Refer to state specific regulations for qualifications required to assist with medications and direct care duties.

Management/Decision Making Uses limited independent judgment to make decisions based on precedents and established guidelines. Solves problems using standard procedures and precedents. Knows when to refer issues to supervisor and when to handle them personally.

Knowledge and Skills

Has a working knowledge of a skill or discipline that requires basic analytic ability. Has an overall understanding of the work environment and process. Has a working knowledge of the organization. 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 to clients, clients' families, and other associates of the company. Ability to effectively communicate in English and understand and follow written and oral instructions. Uses good judgment in emergency situations, and gets help when needed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb or balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Taste or smell
• Ability to lift: up to 50 pounds
• Vision
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
• Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage
• On-Call on an as needed basis
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
• Potential injury from transferring, repositioning, or lifting residents
• Exposure to latex
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards
• Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
• Requires Travel: Occasionally

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.