POSITION DESCRIPTION

LIFESTYLE ASSISTANT

Reporting to: Lifestyle Team Coordinator

Supervises: Volunteers

Care recipients

Internal Liaisons: Facility Manager,Lifestyle Team, Unit Manager’s, Care & Nursing staff, Care recipients, Community staff, Volunteers, Pastoral Care team, Hotel Services Supervisor, Allied Health staff, Administration, Hairdresser and Maintenance Staff.

External Liaisons: Relatives, Allied Health providers, Podiatrist, Diversional Therapy associations and local Diversional Therapy network.

The Role

Lifestyle Assistants are part of the lifestyle team and are responsible for the implementation, supervision and management of care recipient Lifestyle activities.

This will involve regular consultation with care recipients on their lifestyle choices including evaluating the effectiveness of these programs and updating as required along with communication to the Team Leader of any changes.

The role embraces programs that enhance the quality of life of care recipients and clients in all programs offered at our Facilities, including any special needs area, high care area, day club and respite care.

The role also involves communication relating to the resources allocated to the program, care recipient needs and volunteer management with the Team Leader.

Position Objectives

• To support and implement the Mission, Philosophy and Values of Lutheran Aged Care
• Provide direct assistance with the physical, mental and recreational activities of care recipients to maintain their independence and individual lifestyle
• To work according to the Policies, Procedures and Work Practices of the Organization and Dellacourt specifically
• To operate within relevant legislative framework
• To maintain all relevant documentation
• To support WHS Acts & Regulations including adherence to policies, contributing in the consultative process and reporting all hazards and incidents as required
• Attend relevant meetings & education sessions
• Participate in Quality Improvements programs
• Maintain care recipient confidentiality

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

Desirable

Possession of qualifications in Diversional Therapy, Leisure and Lifestyle or other such qualifications as may be deemed relevant.

Yes

Current knowledge of and experience in aged care

Yes

Proven understanding of the needs of older people in a residential aged care setting

Yes

High level of communication (Oral and written)

Yes

Knowledge of clinical/medical issues relevant to older people

Yes

Competent computer skills

Yes

Experience at organising events/activities

Yes

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Communication

• Regular liaison with Lifestyle Coordinator on programs, care recipient reviews and volunteer management issues.
• Liaison with stakeholders, see internal liaisons above, on issues linked to the lifestyle program.
• Liaison with relatives on care recipient’s social needs and in promoting involvement in the activities program.
• Good written and verbal expression.
• Provide reports and articles for newsletters from time to time as required.

Education/Training

• Demonstrated education and training in aged care

Organisational

• Coordinate own work routine and care recipient activities as scheduled
• Complete all required documentation, with responsibility for care recipient social profiles
• Prepare, communicate and regularly review care recipient programs to meet their individual needs.
• Prepare reports as required
• Ensure office, work and store areas are kept neat & tidy

Team

• Work as a member of LAC Team to implement the organisations philosophy
• Meet with team at staff meetings and training sessions & contribute to the effective operation of the organisation
• Assist in setting and achieving group goals
• Communicate concerns/ issues as they arise

Enterprise

• Demonstrate initiative
• Organize own work schedules
• Follow up on identified issues regarding care recipients

Technology