Job Purpose

The Residential Care Aid (RCA) is responsible for the facilitation and delivery of care and treatment services to clients living in a residential setting. The RCA ensures a therapeutic, clean, and safe environment which is productive, meaningful, and provided in a manner that is appropriate for the client within the care/treatment setting. 

Qualifications

 Cooper Commons setting:

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent 
• MO Class “E” Chauffeur’s license preferred.                                                       

Core Job Duties 

• Monitor and assist the client and report any physical and/or emotional changes to the proper staff members.  
• Monitor vital signs of client per requirement (RCF) and as necessary (Cooper Commons). 
• Assist clients with activities of daily living, housekeeping, cleaning duties, and some meal preparations.  
• Coordinate crisis intervention services, as needed.  
• Serve as a positive role model through professional appearance, therapeutic communication, and respect for self and others.  
• Provide and promote customer service for clients, employees, and visitors. 
• Provide continuous supervision of clients to ensure compliance with schedules and services. 
• Conduct room checks and make client counts. 
• Observe and report changes in the client’s physical condition, skin conditions, and cognitive/emotional status to the Licensed Practical Nurse or Facility Manager. 
• Orient new arrivals to activities, introduce them to other participants, explain facility rules, and encourage participation.  
• Monitor and facilitate group activities in accordance with the program schedule using group material that engages clients. 
• Complete required documentation within program guidelines.  
• Assist the client in meeting goals and objectives in the treatment plan by using staff interventions outlined in the plan. 
• Assist in the transportation of clients to and from scheduled activities. 
• Observe, report, and record response(s) of the client’s to medications.  
• Maintain an accurate account of controlled substances.  
• Administer specified treatments and records.  
• Assist with quality assurance programs and in training new staff  
• Prepare, administer, and document medications by all routes in compliance with all State and Federal regulations.  
• Obtain a wide range of information from physicians, caregivers, and nurses about client conditions, treatment plans, and suggested activities 
• Staff will monitor program supplies and will inform the supervisory team/nurse when items need to be reordered. 
• Adherence to all applicable evidence-based practice models.  
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of diagnostic criteria sets for substance use and/or mental disorders.  
• Orally communicate information effectively and accurately. 
• Assure program operates within the constraints of the agency’s certification (CARF, DMH) standards and strategic plan related to clinical care. 
• Abide by program and agency policies and procedures. 
• Other job duties and special projects, as assigned.