Community Care Advocate

JOB PURPOSE:

In the home of the Sisters of Mercy the Community Care Advocate (CC Advocate) possesses a positive attitude and a spirit of hospitality that embodies the charism of the Sisters of Mercy.

The CC Advocate utilizes a holistic approach to support and maintain quality of life and well-being for persons in times of health and illness within their home setting. The CC Advocate is responsible for Sisters and Residents receiving the services of the ElderONE program and provides support for those Sisters experiencing a temporary period of illness and/or recuperation who are not enrolled in the ElderONE program. The CC Advocate works to ensure the services provided for Sisters and Residents are person-centered.

Sustained and inspired by their relationship with God and one another, the mission of the Sisters of Mercy is to respond with vision and compassion to the needs of people who are poor, sick, and uneducated. This mission serves as a motivational force in the day-to-day activities of the employees of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and as we extend compassion and mercy to others, practice and encourage social justice, and strive to live mercifully.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Foster a loving, nurturing, and supportive home environment for all Sisters and Residents.

· Provide a calm, reassuring and sensitive atmosphere within the convent.

· Support and conduct activity and religious programming in group and individualized settings based on interests & support plan.

· Provide companionship and engage in conversation. Take a genuine interest in Sisters/Residents. Understand, accept, and respond to emotional needs.

· Follow established support plan to provide general attention to the non-medical needs of Sisters/Residents.

· Report changes in physical condition, behavior, appearance, well-being to appropriate personnel.

· Serve as a companion, provide one on one support, and respond accordingly when someone is afraid, experiencing difficulty, or upon impending death.

· Maintain the dignity, right to privacy and confidentiality of the Sisters and Residents at all times.

· Assist in extending hospitality to Sisters, to Residents, their families, and guests.

· Ensure a “Community”/“family” presence for each individual Sister and Resident as needed.

· Facilitate communication with Sister and Resident families, friends, and Sisters in community.

· Sort and deliver Community Care department mail.

· Maintain stock items and report needs.

· Read, update, and complete various communication logs.

· Complete routine visiting and rounding on Sisters & Residents as required per shift.

· Perform laundry and light housekeeping.

· Clean wheelchairs, walkers, humidifiers, walker trays, and related equipment according to schedule and as needed.

· Complete basic office functions such as creating, updating, and posting daily sheets, directories, phone lists, appointment reminders, and similar documents.

· Offer snacks, beverages, and fill & clean water pitchers.

· Respond and act accordingly to nurse call notifications. Operate nurse call on-line platform.

· Serve as responsible person when the Community Care manager or designee is not on-site exercising sound independent judgement when urgent and non-urgent situations arise. At times is the only Sisters of Mercy representative in the building.

· Act autonomously, independently, and responsibly without immediate supervision.

· Act as a personal driver for Sisters and Residents to scheduled outings, events, and shopping.

· Follow Universal Precautions, infection control, and emergency preparedness protocols.

· Participate in continuing education opportunities, in-services, and staff meetings.

· Work in a cooperative and flexible manner to meet the needs of the Sisters, Residents, and Household.

· Perform other job duties as assigned.

· For those enrolled in ElderONE:

o Work supportively with ElderONE team members and notifies respective ElderONE team member(s) of any medical/clinical needs.

o Notify the Community Care Wellness Manager, or designee, and the ElderONE Community Health Nurse and/or other nurse of any changes in a Sister’s or Resident’s condition (physical, emotional, or mental health).

o Assist Sisters new to the ElderONE program in their adjustment to the program.

o Deliver personal hygiene supplies, clothing, & stationary as needed.

o Support the dining room experience (verbal prompts and/or assistance with feeding dining, as needed).

o Meet social needs and continued relationship to Community.

o Support getting Sisters and Residents outside to fresh air and sunshine.

· For those not enrolled in ElderONE (who are convalescing or pending ElderONE enrollment):

o Review welcome booklet and services provided; orient to new environment; offer hospitality.

o Assist with the activities of daily living the Sister is unable to do for herself including but not limited to changing linens, laundry, and related functions.

o Support meal delivery and other related functions.

o Support Sister with stand by assist related to personal care needs.

o Transport Sister within Mercy Center as needed.

o Replenish supplies in Sister’s room as needed.

o Notify the Community Care Wellness Manager and Episodic Case Manager or designee of any changes in a Sister’s condition (physical, emotional, or mental health).

o Respond to the needs and requests of the Sisters in a timely manner prioritizing according to the urgency of each need and request.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Competencies and Experience

To perform the job successfully, an individual should have the following education, competencies, and experience:

· Knowledge of and at least 2 years' experience of gerontology/working in a long-term care setting or equivalent in related field.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Ability to follow the directions of the Community Care Wellness Manager and/or designee

· Ability to establish and rearrange priorities.

· Ability to approach people in a manner which creates harmony and promotes cooperation and teamwork.

· Ability to receive verbal instructions, converse with Sisters, Residents, co-workers, and visitors.

· Ability to respond to audible emergency signals, alarms, call lights and answer a caller on the phone.

· Ability to work through crisis situations.

· Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress.

· Ability to communicate with individuals with dementia.

· Ability to be flexible and adaptable with changing situations.

· Must be willing to work an alternate shift when needed. (Day/Night, Day/Evening, or Evening/Night).

· Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

· Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

· Valid and clean Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

· Interpersonal leadership and organizational skills.

· Willingness to consider the advice and opinions of others.

· Ability to make decisions and accept responsibility for the consequences.

· Ability to train and motivate others.

· Ability and willingness to act as a role model in conduct and appearance.

· Willingness to understand and appreciate the traditions and culture associated with the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Church.

· Prior experience in a healthcare or religious organization strongly preferred.

· Familiarity with the Catholic Church structures and teaching.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

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

Physical Activity

· Carrying · Writing · Bending · Stooping · Grasping

· Standing · Twisting · Sitting · Lifting · Walking

· Kneeling · Reaching overhead · Crouching · Filing documents

· Communicating with Sisters and co-workers · Using telephone and fax machines

Physical Requirements

· Lifting/pulling/pushing up to 25 pounds

· Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time

Visual/Audible Acuity Requirements

· Must be able to see and hear clearly

· Must have depth perception and be able to distinguish basic colors

· Must have use of side vision

· Must be able to read and distinguish small print.

· Must be able to speak clearly and make self-understood while also understanding others using the English language

Key Competencies:

• Attention to detail
• Problem solving
• Judgment
• Service orientation
• Motivation
• Responsibility

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

I have reviewed and understand the essential functions of this job description in a safe manner and in accordance with established procedures. I further acknowledge that this job description is a general description of the duties of this position and my supervisor may require changes in responsibilities from time to time. I understand that my employment is at-will, and thereby understand that my employment may be terminated at-will either by the facility or myself, and that such termination can be made with or without notice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.50 - $21.50 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Rochester, NY 14610 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rochester, NY 14610: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22