Direct Support Staff/MedTech-FLOAT

Job Overview
A full-time schedule will involve at least one weekend day. Shifts constitute a mix of AM and PM shifts, and possibly NOC shifts with advance notice. This position is more highly compensated for the employee’s flexibility of schedule. Provide a full range of in-home and community support services. Actively engage the residents through conversation and companionship, in creating a life that is satisfying to them. Assist them in achieving their activities of daily living including toileting, bathing, hygiene, dressing, having meals, administration of medications, topicals and treatments as an NA-R, NA-C or HCA, laundry, keeping their home clean, etc. Documentation must be complete and accurate. Support residents’ activities toward their personal goals and interests as members of their community while staying healthy and safe. Build familiarity with each person’s care needs, style and preferences to develop professional and mutually trusting relationships. Ensure communication with organization leadership, co-workers, family members and other providers is conducted in a professional and timely manner.

Responsibilities

· Check daily schedule for most current staffing information and assignment(s). Debrief with outgoing shift for latest conditions of the residents and activity schedules. Review prior logging and announcements in Therap and logbooks to keep well-informed of new developments and changes in each resident’s status and service needs.

· Work closely with the team (co-workers, leadership, house nurse, nurse delegators) regarding areas of concern (illness, skin integrity, bowel protocol, distress/anxiety, equipment in need of repair, etc.) or anywhere circumstances can be improved in the home.

· Administer routine medications and other treatments according to doctor’s orders. Understand the purpose of each medication and be aware of possible side effects. Administer PRN (as needed) medications and treatments when necessary.

· Thoroughly document all medications, topicals and treatments accurately in QuickMAR. Record/track other applicable activities including but not limited to vital signs, seizures, skin integrity, blood glucose levels, tube feedings, updates conveyed about resident health issues, discharge instructions, guardian communications, etc.

· When receiving medications from the pharmacy, check for accuracy before accepting. Put medications and treatments away in the proper area(s). Check all medications and treatments weekly and reorder if necessary. Communicate with the pharmacy by phone/fax to order medications and supplies in a timely manner, notify of new doctor’s orders, clarify current doctor’s orders, or have medications repackaged.

· Assist the residents with their daily activities and hygiene according to their needs including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral care, food preparation (if applicable) and eating, transfers and repositioning for wheelchair users, etc.

· Develop strong knowledge in the specific methods for everyone; examples include but are not limited to preferred routine for showering, safe transferring as recommended by the physical therapist, cutting food to proper size for eating, etc.).

· Assist residents to prepare for appointments, doctor visits, recreational activities, shopping, etc. May accompany and assist residents using an agency-owned vehicle or public transportation.

· In the event a resident is admitted to the hospital, may share shift(s) at their bedside to advocate and ensure basic care needs are met.

· Attend MedTech meetings and staff meetings as scheduled.

· Familiarity with each resident’s care plan, individual instruction and support plan and if applicable, behavior support plan. Assist them in achieving their personal goals for increasing independence and behavioral challenges such as problem solving, using communication to express their needs and feelings, anger management, etc.

· Support the residents to engage in the activities they enjoy and explore new experiences they may like to try. Examples include but are not limited to socializing with housemates, listening to music, making crafts, gardening, playing a game, taking a walk in the park, taking a class, going to a concert, visiting a neighbor, etc.

· Cooperatively support family/guardian involvement and relationships with their loved ones, as well as professional communication and information sharing in compliance with HIPAA.

· Assist each resident to perform (or if they cannot, perform on their behalf) meal preparation and personal housekeeping chores including changing bedding, bedroom cleaning, floors, laundry, etc.

· Accurately and thoroughly chart residents’ activities, care, observations and other events as required by their plans and contractual obligations via electronic tracking tool. On rare occasions, paper logging may be necessary.

· Documentation and mandatory reporting incidents may be necessary (e.g., GER, calling in to RCS, etc.). Notify off-duty leadership, regulatory agencies and law enforcement, as necessary, of issues/problems as required by contract and law.

· May be trained and approved to drive an agency-owned vehicle for the purpose of performing company business or taking a resident to an appointment or other activities.

· May be trained and certified by Spokane Transit Authority to drive an STA-loaned van to take residents on community outings as described above.

Skills

· Demonstrated flexibility to float across different work tasks based on staffing needs while maintaining high standards of resident safety and comfort.

Ability to perform medication administration safely and competently following prescribed protocols. Detail orientation and accurate documentation is essential.

- Ability to proficiently utilize electronic documentation tools including Therap and QuickMAR.

· Ability to speak, read and write English.

· Excellent communication in relaying/receiving information to/from others, both written and verbal. Demonstrate thorough written/electronic documentation for accurate reporting and recordkeeping.

· Proven ability to behave with respect and compassion and facilitate problem-solving among team members in the workplace.

· Ability to work positively in a team environment and get along with others. Establish and maintain healthy professional boundaries and attitude, avoiding gossip, “drama,” taking sides, etc.

· Must exercise good judgment, timeliness, initiative, and demonstrate proficiency to complete work thoroughly and independently.

Pay: $21.50 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid orientation
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Direct care/MedTech: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• NA-R, NA-C or HCA (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person