Senior Center - Senior Companion

LA PLATA COUNTY

Senior Center: Senior Companion- Provides companionship & assistance to older adults (60+) with routine tasks such as accompanying seniors to appointments, shopping trips &/or other outings utilizing Senior Center transportation svcs. Must be patient & enjoy working with seniors. Hours are flexible, part-time, on call, as needed. Reliable transportation is necessary to travel to assignments throughout the county. $21.50/hour. Vacation & sick hours provided. Deadline 4 pm 11/26/23. Apply online at http://co.laplata.co.us/jobs or at computer kiosk @ La Plata County, 1101 E 2nd Ave, Durango. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CLASS TITLE: SENIOR COMPANION

GRADE: L08

DEPARTMENT: SENIOR SERVICES

FLSA STATUS: N

REPORTS TO: SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM COORDINATOR

DATE: 11/21

JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Companion provides companionship and assistance to older adults (60+) who may have difficulty with routine tasks and/or are geographically isolated. This position supports older adults to help them maintain their independence, enhance their quality of life and provide respite to family caregivers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible. Visits adults 60 and over in their homes or in the community for limited pre-agreed upon periods of time to provide companionship and non-medical, non-housekeeping assistance. Accompanies seniors at their request to appointments, shopping trips and/or other outings utilizing Senior Center transportation services. Such trips must be pre-arranged. Informs consumers of available resources to assist them; explains service program requirements to consumers: answers their questions: and refers to other community resources as appropriate. Performs other related duties as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED: Vehicle

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent. Some experience interacting with seniors and a desire to make connections and contribute to the well-being of our aging population. Current Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to actively listen and respond to clients with empathy and respect. Ability to clearly communicate and set boundaries when appropriate. Policies, procedures, philosophies, rules and regulations governing the services to clients. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Must be willing to participate in a minimum of 8 hours of annual required training. Must be willing to travel throughout La Plata County.