Dementia Care Assistant I

Discover Your Career at Emory University: Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community. Description:

Emory University's School of Nursing is seeking a Dementia Care Assistant I to join Integrated Memory Care, a nationally-recognized primary care clinic for people living with dementia. The IMC Community program is a partnership between Emory Healthcare and Emory University's School of Nursing. The Community program provides a service at assisted living communities where IMC patients reside.

Please note this role is not a nursing position. 

The Dementia Care Assistant will work 1:1 with people living with dementia at the person's assisted living community. DCAs will receive a panel of participants and then develop tailored, individualized activities based upon the participant's interest and abilities. We are seeking an individual who can work effectively in a high-functioning interdisciplinary team, provide creative, 1:1 engagement, and document the encounters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements recommended strategies and activities outlined by the occupational therapist's plan within the participant's home or senior living community.
• Documents activities completed with the patient during one-on-one encounters in a way that supports the time spent.
• Completes all necessary paperwork and computer documentation.
• Gathers information from senior living community staff regarding any changes with the participant.
• Communicates any changes with participant to Community Program's clinical staff.
• Attends and actively participates in interdisciplinary team meetings in order to obtain and share information, advance the patient's plan of care, identify and take action to resolve barriers, and to coordinate safe and appropriate transitions to higher levels of care at the appropriate time.
• Respects the confidentiality of all participant information and conforms to clinic/departmental policies on the handling and disclosure of patient information.
• Demonstrates a high level of initiative and performs as a self-starter in daily activities.
• Demonstrates the skills necessary to nurture teambuilding and growth in establishing and maintaining a cooperative relationship with professionals, providers, patients, family members and community agency representatives.
• Assumes responsibility for seeking guidance in areas of question by consulting supervisor and colleagues as necessary.
• Appropriately escalates concerns.
• Acts in a professional, caring, customer service focused manner in all interactions with patients, families, peers, medical team members and community agency representatives.
• Supports and participates in multidisciplinary patient/family education and care planning with the entire team.
• In collaboration with supervisor, pursues professional development opportunities.
• Completes additional assignments/projects as directed by the department leaders.
• Participate in daily huddles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of related experience.
• Experience working with older adults desired but not required.
• Prior experience working with people living with dementia is preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details: Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.