Senior Services Assistant

Lawndale Christian Health Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawndale Christian Health Center in Chicago is seeking a Senior Services Assistant to help maintain a safe, welcoming senior day program. You will support daily programming, assist participants with ADLs, assist with meals, and help with activities while ensuring dignity and respect for all attendees.

The role requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to document activities, and a commitment to confidentiality, safety, and compassionate care for older adults.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience with older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer’s/dementia, preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to use email, online training, and document in the electronic patient record.

Responsibilities

• Prepare program space each morning with supplies and cleaning.
• Assist participants with ADLs and mobility as per care plans.
• Support meal service including preparation, serving, and cleanup.
• Lead chair exercises or support with fitness videos for participants.
• Plan, set up for, and run recreational and therapeutic activities.
• Review plans of care with program director and nurse to address participant needs.
• Observe and report changes in participant status to the director.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Clear communication

Computer skills

Physical stamina

Core values

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR)

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Services Assistant helps maintain a safe and welcoming atmosphere in the senior day program by treating all participants with kindness, dignity, and respect. This position provides support for daily programming in the Senior Center, as well as assistance to participants with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) during their attendance. This support will include assisting with meal preparation and service, helping attendees to and from vehicles and different areas of the building, leading and assisting with program activities, and helping participants with personal needs like toileting.

Brief Description

Position Summary

The Senior Services Assistant helps maintain a safe and welcoming atmosphere in the senior day program by treating all participants with kindness, dignity, and respect. This position provides support for daily programming in the Senior Center, as well as assistance to participants with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) during their attendance. This support will include assisting with meal preparation and service, helping attendees to and from vehicles and different areas of the building, leading and assisting with program activities, and helping participants with personal needs like toileting.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

Program Support

• Prepare program space each morning with necessary supplies and materials, including touch-up cleaning as necessary.
• Support participants with embarking and disembarking from vehicles, including donning and doffing outerwear, fastening seat belts, and securing wheelchairs.
• Support hygienic meal and snack preparation, serving, and clean up, including cutting up food items, setting out beverages, and other tasks required for meal service.
• Support morning exercise program by either leading chair exercises or setting up video link for fitness leader and participating with participants.
• Assist with planning, setting up for, and executing recreational and therapeutic program activities, including physical fitness, games, arts and crafts, educational activities, field trips, and special events.

Participant Personal Support

• Review person-centered plans of care with program director and program nurse to be sufficiently cognizant of individual participant needs.
• Assist participants with ADLs and occupational therapy activities as indicated by their care plans, including some level of support for toileting, eating, dressing, transferring, and walking.
• Assist participants with program activities, initiating and encouraging socialization among participants.
• Observe and report pertinent information regarding participant needs, behaviors, or a change in mental or physical status to the program director.
• Be alert at all times to the whereabouts of every participant, making sure the facility is secure for participants who may have a tendency to wander.

Documentation and Compliance

• Document activities and maintain timely records as required for program operations.
• Attend training in order to ensure adherence to all agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as required to assist LCHC in achieving its mission.

Required Skills Or Abilities

• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with participants, their family members, and staff.
• Ability to use computer software to use email, complete computer-based training, and document in the electronic patient record.
• Physical ability to assist participants with ADLs and stamina to be actively supporting program activities throughout the day.
• Capable of exemplifying the values of Lawndale Christian Health Center in all circumstances.

Required Knowledge, Experience, Or Licensure/Registration

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Experience with older adults, particularly ones experiencing Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, preferred.