Resident Assistant (RA)

About the role

The Resident Assistant is responsible for meeting the daily personal care needs of residents with professionalism, dignity, and respect, adhering to current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations for assisted living communities. This role ensures the highest degree of quality care is provided to residents at all times.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as grooming, bathing, and dressing, as requested by residents or directed by a supervisor.
• Attend to the personal care needs of residents in a timely manner.
• Regularly review, follow, and adhere to residents' service plans.
• Document and report care provided and resident observations.
• Perform vital signs, heights, and weights.
• Respond to emergency calls promptly.
• Monitor the safety and well-being of residents.
• Report changes in resident status, health, or otherwise to a supervisor.
• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control and universal precautions.
• Provide information, encouragement, and participation in activity-focused programs.
• Assist residents in Assisted Living and/or Memory Care as needed.
• Deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public.
• Demonstrate a passion for caring through interactions with co-workers, residents, families, and visitors.
• Attend, participate, and contribute to monthly staff meetings addressing resident, departmental, and community needs.
• Clean common areas, occupied and vacant apartments, and perform laundry services in accordance with community policies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Effectively communicate in the English language and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and prioritization abilities.
• Ability to multitask and manage priorities effectively.
• Strong relationship-building skills with residents, staff, family, and others.
• Compassionate attitude and sincere interest in others.
• Clear and effective communication.
• Strategic thinking, curiosity, and a desire to learn.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED (preferred).
• 6 months of experience in a senior living community (preferred).
• Valid Adult Basic First Aid and CPR Certification (preferred).

Physical Demands

• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics to enable these senses to function adequately.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and transport such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be required to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergencies.

Work Environment

• Moves intermittently during working hours and is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, and government agencies under all conditions and circumstances.
• Subject to hostile or emotionally upset residents and family members.
• May work beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily when necessary.
• Subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster).
• Subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, and reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions (including TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses), and hazardous chemicals.

Reports to: Director of Assisted Living, Director of Memory Care, or Director of Wellness.