Life Enrichment Aid

Job Description

All employees will support the mission, vision and philosophy of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd United States/Toronto as demonstrated by the active implementation of the core values:
• Dignity and respect by listening and speaking in a professional and respectful way to others and by maintaining confidentiality, acting with discretion, acting in a professional manner and supporting diversity in the workplace;
• Mercy by active listening, accepting direction and forgiving the mistakes and shortcomings of others in the workplace;
• Reconciliation by approaching others in a manner that promotes harmony and cooperation, responding affirmatively to training and disciplinary actions to improve performance and better serve, seeking out others with whom there is conflict to resolve issues by applying effective problem solving skills;
• Zeal by putting first the needs of those served when at work, e.g., cooperation with scheduling, willingness to take on projects, and initiative in improving the workplace.
• Empowerment and advocacy by uplifting others when and where needed, nurturing growth, fostering collaboration, and advancing inclusion.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Community Coordinator, the Life Enrichment Aide at Mason Pointe will support the quality of life for the Good Shepherd Sisters through a variety of tasks. The majority of work will be occur Monday to Friday, during regular business hours at Mason Pointe. However, the Aide will be asked to respond to needs during evenings and weekends as required for special events, or emergency needs (for example, hospitalization of a sister). The Aide will regularly drive and accompany sisters to appointments to assist in communication with health care providers. The environment requires the Aide to be patient, flexible, caring, a quick study and a self-starter. Pay is $21.61 an hour.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-Support the Community Coordinator, and cover for them during any absences.
-Assist Sisters in daily tasks to support quality of life and independence.
-Track health care appointments as scheduled and provide transportation for sisters to appointments as requested. Ensure a sister companion or other resources that may be needed are arranged with the Community Coordinator.
-Transport sisters for shopping, social outings, and other local errands. -Under direction of the Coordinator, assist when sisters temporarily residing offsite (for example in a hospital or nursing center) by accompanying and visiting them during treatment and hospitalization. -Serve as an advocate for the sisters with care providers, the staff at Mason Pointe, and any others with whom the sisters relate
-Observe the sisters health and care, and communicate any changes or concerns to the Community Coordinator.
-Help Sisters to fully participate in Mason Pointe activities and gatherings, including assisting with getting to and from events (chapel, meals, meetings, parties, etc.) as needed.
-Assist in tracking, and planning and hosting events to celebrate, special occasions such as jubilees, feast days, and birthdays.
-Assist with ordering or making purchases as necessary for the sisters (i.e., shopping for the individual and the community).
-Meet face-to-face with each sister at least weekly and ensure they have what is needed in regard to clean clothes, laundry, and personal care items.
-Offer basic support for sisters' computers, printers, and phones, and assist sisters in receiving IT support.
-Coordinate maintenance for community vehicle(s) and liaise with Olivette administrative staff to ensure registration and insurance are up to date.
-Assist sisters to relocate from one room to another as the case arises.
-Assist visitors, including family, other sisters and members of the Regional Staff.
-Special projects and other tasks as assigned.

PHYSICAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
-Ability to stoop, lift/carry/push/move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
-Ability to alternate between sitting, standing and walking as required by job tasks.
-Ability to walk up to a mile without stopping.
-Ability to push sisters in a wheelchair if needed.
-Ability to lift walkers, rollators and wheelchairs into a vehicle.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
-The Aide must be flexible and have high energy to respond to the emerging needs of the aging community of sisters.
-Patient, caring, a quick study and a self-starter.
-High levels of professional conduct, personal integrity and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information and materials.
-Organized, mission driven, self- directed, and able to set priorities, communicate proactively and follow up on assignments with minimal direction.
-Willingness to support the vision and values of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
-Exemplary communication, strong listening and customer satisfaction skills, including dealing effectively with the women religious, colleagues, and the public.
-Highly organized, and able to perform efficiently with minimal supervision.
-Positive team player with an attitude that there is no task too great or too small.
-Resourceful with a professional demeanor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Works in multiple environments including a skilled care facility, hospital, medical offices, and retail stores.
• Requires regular use of a cell phone and computer, including for zoom meetings. Will use Microsoft Office Suite, and Outlook email.
• Regularly involves driving and assisting clients to enter and exit vehicle.
• Schedule requires flexibility to be responsive to the needs of the sisters, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
-High school diploma, some college or associate's degree preferred.
-Experience working in health care or senior services is preferred.
-Prior experience in senior living, long term care, or assisted living environment is a plus.
-Experience working with a women's religious congregation is a plus.
-Experience and understanding of the Catholic faith and Catholic social teaching is a plus.
-Experience in a professional setting, preferably a non-profit.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS
-Must have valid and current driver's license, and consent to Department of Motor Vehicle review of past driving record to establish that s/he is a safe driver

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to humanresources@ustgoodshepherd.org
No calls please.

About the Employer

The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, rooted in the spirit of St. John Eudes and St. Mary Euphrasia, are a reconciling presence of Jesus the Good Shepherd, affirming the dignity of all people and creation, empowering women and girls, and responding to those impacted by poverty and injustice.
The Congregation is enriched by the presence of apostolic sisters and contemplative sisters who express the call to the mission of reconciliation and the charism of merciful love. The region's 16 sponsored ministries across the United States and Canada serve the vulnerable and those on the margins through relationship-based, outreach programs that support those in need, including programs that lift up girls, women and children.