Resident Assistant

Better Living; Fort Madison (IA); On-site; USD 44,414,000 - 48,712,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401 (K) matching

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

The Resident Assistant at Better Living in Fort Madison IA provides compassionate support to residents with daily living activities, safety, and dignity while promoting independence within the Better Days Memory Care philosophy. Collaborating with the Health & Wellness Director, nursing team, and leadership, you will assist with ADLs, nutrition, mobility, and documentation, ensuring a clean and safe home.

We value empathy, teamwork, continuous learning, and a culture where residents feel like

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous caregiving or senior living experience preferred but not required—Better Living will train the right heart.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or assist residents safely.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to serving older adults.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with ADLs including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and mobility support.
• Provide meal assistance, hydration, and encouragement to maintain independence.
• Observe and report changes in condition promptly to the nurse or Health & Wellness Director.
• Support residents in maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment.
• Follow care plans and service plans with accuracy and intention.
• Participate in and encourage involvement in daily programming, including Better Days Memory Care activities.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with residents—knowing their life stories, preferences, routines, and joys.
• Promote resident choice, dignity, and autonomy in all interactions.
• Create a welcoming, family-centered environment consistent with Better Living standards.
• Follow infection control procedures, emergency protocols, and all IDPH and community policies.
• Ensure proper documentation of care, activities, and observations.
• Use safe transfer techniques and equipment per policy and training.
• Immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or unusual incidents.
• Communicate clearly with nurses, leadership, and peers to ensure continuity of care.
• Attend trainings, in-services, and meetings as required.
• Maintain professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude at all times.

Skills

Compassion

Communication

Teamwork

Reading/Writing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Benefits

• Compensation - $15.50 to $17.00 per hour
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401 (K) matching
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance programs

Position Summary

The Resident Assistant supports residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), engagement, safety, and dignity while promoting independence whenever possible. The RA collaborates with the Health & Wellness Director, nursing team, and leadership to deliver exceptional care within the Better Living culture and the Better Days Memory Care philosophy.

This role requires compassion, consistency, teamwork, and the ability to create moments of joy throughout the day.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Care

• Assist residents with ADLs including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and mobility support.
• Provide meal assistance, hydration, and encouragement to maintain independence.
• Observe and report changes in condition promptly to the nurse or Health & Wellness Director.
• Support residents in maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment.
• Follow care plans and service plans with accuracy and intention.

Engagement & Culture

• Participate in and encourage involvement in daily programming, including Better Days Memory Care activities.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with residents—knowing their life stories, preferences, routines, and joys.
• Promote resident choice, dignity, and autonomy in all interactions.
• Create a welcoming, family-centered environment consistent with Better Living standards.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow infection control procedures, emergency protocols, and all IDPH and community policies.
• Ensure proper documentation of care, activities, and observations.
• Use safe transfer techniques and equipment per policy and training.
• Immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or unusual incidents.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate clearly with nurses, leadership, and peers to ensure continuity of care.
• Attend trainings, in-services, and meetings as required.
• Maintain professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude at all times.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous caregiving or senior living experience preferred but not required—Better Living will train the right heart.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or assist residents safely.
• Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to serving older adults.

What Makes Better Living Different

• A mission-first culture rooted in love, purpose, and connection.
• Leadership that supports, mentors, and invests in you.
• A work environment where residents feel like family—and staff do too.
• Programs like Better Days that empower residents to live with meaning and dignity.

Our Promise

At Better Living, we don’t just provide care—we create home.

We show up with heart.

We honor each resident’s story.

And we elevate every moment—together.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.