Resident Specialist

**Reports To**
- Reports to and receives direction from the Resident Program Coordinator, Moments Coordinator and/or Oasis Coordinator

Summary of Key Qualifications and Responsibilities:

- Genuinely enjoys seniors and engaging with people. Loves to make people smile.
- Understands and embraces the philosophy of the Symphony Resident Specialist role whereby resident specialists support residents with all activities of daily living, including personal care, dining, activities, light housekeeping and socialization
- Understands and embraces the philosophy and practice of the designated resident specialist concept whereby resident specialists will, wherever possible, regularly support the needs of the same residents during each shift they work
- Understands and embraces the philosophy of validation and reminiscing for our residents with Alzheimer’s or related dementia
- Clear understanding and demonstrated ability to provide resident centered care vs. task centered care
- Bring their whole self to the position and shares with the residents, family and team members: their passions, interests in activities and other interactions. The RS is responsible for hosting at least one activity a week with residents. This maybe a large or small group activity; in conjunction with other team members or alone and will be scheduled into the daily work routines.
- Strong team orientation, cooperation and involvement.
- Demonstrates a positive, flexible work style and approach to the implementation of change
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: must speak, read and write English to a high school level.
- Excellent organizational skills
- Possesses current First Aid certificate and maintain in current compliance.
- Must pass all criminal background checks required to work with the senior population
- Certification as a personal support worker or equivalent is an asset, but not required if you possess the correct personality traits and have a desire to genuinely care for the senior population
- Must attend Moments Training session and Certified dementia care practitioner training, provided by the company in first 30 days of employment and annual refresher.
- Interacts calmly, positively, and with respect to build and maintain productive relationships with residents, families and other members of the team
- Assists co-workers whenever possible to meet residents’ needs, deliver high quality services and promote a harmonious living and working environment
- Communicates on a timely basis and includes all applicable departments in the care of our residents e.g., wellness, dietary, activities
- Supports both team and organizational goals
- Recognizes and supports the role(s) and boundaries of the RPN/LPN/RNA and the other Care Providers on the team
- Adheres to and supports Symphony Senior Living’s foundational belief, core values, service philosophy and service commitments
- Abides by the policies and procedures of the organization: including, but not limited to - confidentiality, conflict of interest, cell phone use, attendance and all others. Will request access to copies of policies to review if not familiar with the policies and their location.
- Accepts responsibility for own actions and behaviours
- Demonstrates personal flexibility in meeting resident needs vs. completing specific tasks
- Applies new skills and knowledge acquired through training to improve quality of resident care and work practices
- Demonstrates responsibility for own health and safety
- Demonstrates responsibility for the health and safety of our residents and staff
- Communicates verbally and non-verbally appropriately and effectively
- Actively listens to the ideas of others and considers both sides of an issue
- Alters his/her approach with individual residents to ensure effective communication is achieved
- Receives and gives constructive feedback to others
- Demonstrates respect for others when communicating information or his/her opinion
- Finds areas of agreement when working with individuals or groups in conflict **Must be able to communicate in English (written, verbal, reading) Fluent in English**
- Follows up on all resident and family inquiries (takes accountability to ensure reply is given)
- Fulfills commitments in a timely and responsible manner
- Provides services in such a way that problems and unpredictable events are invisible to the resident and family
- Maintains a positive and friendly manner at all times (greets residents by name and assists family members as needed)
- If upset or frustrated, appropriately discusses with coordinator in a calm and rational manner: elevates unresolved concerns in writing in a complaint resolution process. Does not involve residents or family in frustrations.
- Promotes actions that support best outcomes for _each _resident’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs
- Implements and recommends modifications to resident service plans which support the changing needs of the resident
- Acts