Job Description
Unit Assistant (Temporary) This is a temporary position. Position Summary At the Long Island State Veterans Home, Unit Assistants are valued members of the care team who provide compassionate support to our residents. Unit Assistants must demonstrate patience, compassion, and respect in all interactions and apply an understanding of dementia-related behaviors to support residents in a safe and dignified manner. Unit Assistants will assist in bringing residents outdoors and throughout the facility, engage residents in activities, and monitor and maintain resident safety at all times, among other responsibilities. Duties of a Unit Assistant may include the following but are not limited to: Provide one‑on‑one and small‑group engagement with residents, primarily with those residents living on the Alzheimer’s/Dementia unit Assist in safely bringing residents outdoors as appropriate Escorts residents to and from areas in the facility as directed Offer engaging conversation, trivia, and meaningful social interaction while outdoors and throughout the facility Facilitate simple physical, cognitive, and social activities tailored to residents’ abilities while outdoors and throughout the facility Monitor and maintain resident safety at all times, especially during outdoor activities Ensure residents remain hydrated and comfortable Observe residents for changes in mood, behavior, or well‑being and report concerns to appropriate staff Interact with residents in a patient, compassionate, respectful, and supportive manner Demonstrate understanding of dementia‑related behaviors and respond appropriately Communicates in a respectful and effective manner with residents, visitors, families and other care providers and will seek out additional resources and information to ensure the well-being of residents. Acknowledge and respect rights of residents when providing care Use infection control and body substance isolation (BSI) techniques consistent with policy and procedure. Perform other unit duties such as: serving and preparing residents food trays, returning food trays to carts or kitchen, tiding resident’s environment, bed making, engaging residents in activities and other unskilled duties as assigned. Required Qualifications : Must be physically able to perform the tasks of the position and understand and carry out written and oral instructions Preferred Qualifications : High school diploma or equivalent Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application. Posting Overview : This position will remain posted until filled or for a maximum of 90 days. An initial review of all applicants will occur two weeks from the posting date. Candidates are advised on the application that for full consideration, applications must be received before the initial review date (which is within two weeks of the posting date). If within the initial review no candidate was selected to fill the position posted, additional applications will be considered for the posted position; however, the posting will close once a finalist is identified, and at minimal, two weeks after the initial posting date. Please note, that if no candidate were identified and hired within 90 days from initial posting, the posting would close for review, and possibly reposted at a later date. Working Conditions: Working conditions may involve exposure to infectious disease, blood, body fluids and/or tissue as well as other unpleasant elements such as accidents, injuries and illness. May be exposed to and be required to handle varying unpredictable, emergency and crisis situations. Occasionally subjected to irregular hours and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. Prior to start date, the selected candidate must meet the following requirements: The selected candidate must successfully clear a background investigation. Successfully complete pre-employment physical examination and obtain medical clearance from the Long Island State Veterans Home Employee Health Department. Complete electronic reference check with a minimum of three (3) professional references. Provide a copy of the required license(s)/certificate(s). Please be advised that failure to comply with any of the above requirements could result in a delayed start date and/or revocation of the employment offer. Special Notes: The use of Vacation or Personal Leave accruals during the first 6 months of employment will not be authorized unless prior approval has been granted by Human Resources