Site Assistant - Alzheimer's Day Respite Program

Title: Site Assistant - Alzheimer's Day Respite Program

Classification: Non-exempt, Part-time hourly (M-F 8:30-4pm, 35 hours a week)

Department: Social Services/Adult Day Respite Program

Accountability: Adult Day Respite Manager (COA Office)

Salary Range: $23-$25 per hour

PROGRAM SUMMARY: The Adult Day Care program provides day care services for seniors (Age 60 ) who are functionally or cognitively impaired by providing the emotional, mental and social stimulation that is necessary to help them remain independent and healthy. Daily social and recreation activities include arts and crafts, entertainment, group discussions, light exercise, visits from school children, a nutritious lunch, and a light snack.

POSITION SUMMARY: With general supervision from the Day Program Manager, and guidance from the Day Program Coordinator, the Site Assistant will provide assistance with implementation and ongoing coordination of activity programs and meal service. The Site Assistant will support participants to increase access, participation and satisfaction with the programs and offer support to clients’ responsible parties and volunteers as needed. Responsible for working as part of a team to deliver a program that keeps participants as active and engaged as possible with a wide variety of activities in a friendly, respectful and caring setting. Strict attention to safety and organizational details are critical so that participants receive exceptional care, ensuring we have the trust of family caregivers and are in compliance with state licensing regulations. Excellent communication skills and empathy are essential. The ability to multi-task and to remain proactive and positive in thoughts and actions are important to success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Daily Program

• Work with Day Program Coordinator to plan, organize and implement all programs and activities, including social, physical, cognitive, nutritional, and other supportive services; conduct program activities as needed.
• Remain constantly aware of clients’ whereabouts, recognize cues and be able to quickly redirect behavior of individuals and the group to maintain safety.
• Support with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as using the restroom, assistance with eating, and general ambulation.
• Partner with Day Program Coordinator to create a monthly and daily calendar of events; highlight special events to share with clients and prospects; support in facilitating volunteer recognition and client celebrations.
• Assist with daily program set up, morning coffee/tea service, noon meals and end-of-day cleanup, ensuring all sanitizing and food handling protocols are followed.
• Demonstrate knowledge of each client as an individual and maintain client confidentiality; consider client interests and life stories when developing activity calendar
• Support the Day Program Coordinator with providing on-the-job training for volunteers and student visitors.

Administrative

• Assist Day Program Coordinator in initial and bi-annual Care Plans for every client
• Work with Day Program Coordinator to provide ongoing documentation on Client Progress notes; report client change in condition to client’s responsible party, provide follow up as needed and elevate concerns to Manager as needed
• Direct client to COA office to for additional resources as needed
• Accurately record all client and volunteer hours; submit sign-in sheets to COA office weekly
• Support Day Program Coordinator in maintaining organized and complete charts for all clients and volunteers per licensing regulations and AAA contract; provide required documents to COA office within required time frame
• Assist Day Program Coordinator with conducting routine inventory and timely submission of all supply orders and receipts

Communication & Marketing

• Assist in recruitment of volunteers and entertainers
• Respond to concerns and complaints in a professional and caring manner; elevate issues to Manager when appropriate
• Respond within one program day to telephone and/or email communications from client families, volunteers and COA staff
• Attend (unless noted as optional) scheduled staff meetings and trainings; maintain required certifications and continuing education hours
• Be dependable, reliable and on time according to schedule; demonstrate flexibility in work schedule when necessary to ensure adequate coverage at all day program sites
• Submit pictures and stories for use in Sonoma Seniors Today publication, social media posts and fundraising appeals on an on-going basis; ensure photo release is on file for all subjects
• Effectively describe and market the day program to general public as needed

Safety & Compliance

• Assist Day Program Coordinator to facilitate quarterly disaster and elopement drills; keep accurate documentation of all drills on file with disaster plan
• Facilitate monthly water checks at all accessible faucets (permitted temp range is 105-120 degrees); if temperature not in range report concerns to rental facility staff and supervisor; post caution signs as needed
• With training exhibit knowledge of licensing regulations and work with Program Coordinator to monitor compliance on ongoing basis; communicate with LPA during licensing visits and submit follow up as needed; elevate concerns and provide reports to Manager in a timely manner
• Exhibit knowledge with training of Area Agency on Aging unduplicated client goals and program’s scope of service; follow monitoring checklist in preparation of annual visit
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for all staff, clients, volunteers and guests; immediately report concerns to supervisor; never leave clients unsupervised
• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control, i.e. adequate hand-washing, blood borne pathogens procedures and universal precautions; enforce infection control at all times when supporting clients, volunteers and visitors; follow current Covid19 policy and procedures

REQUIREMENTS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School Graduate
• Knowledge, skills, and experience in working with frail seniors, persons with memory loss or other mental impairment
• Ability to communicate clearly and with sensitivity, both verbally and in writing, with family caregivers, co-workers, and public.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) highly desirable
• Able to work independently, as a team member
• Able to operate standard office equipment, including laptop computer, printer/copier/scanner, and smartphone.
• Proficiency with computers, internet, and software applications, including COA timekeeping, Google email, calendar and docs, activity planning sites, and caregiver resource sites.
• Maintain a valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance, clear DMV driving record, and ability to provide own transportation.
• Able to adhere to Council on Aging policies and procedures
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must pass a pre-placement physical and TB test
• Must obtain and maintain a current certification for Adult First Aid

TYPICAL WORK CONDITIONS:

Work is performed within a designated space at a Senior Center or similar facility. Involves direct interaction with COA clients, their family members, employees and volunteers. Requires sitting; standing; climbing steps; walking; ability to manipulate tools, controls and keyboards; ability to write, ability to lift up to 25lbs.

The following information describes the physical activity required to perform the job:

Company Benefits:

• Over 15 different Healthcare plans from 4 companies including Kaiser, Sutter, Western Heath Advantage, and Anthem. HSA plans are also available
• Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, and Aflac Plans
• 401k plan with up to 4% matching
• 13 paid holidays for all regular employees
• Wellness Plan
• 2 weeks vacation per year

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