Respite Technician - Referral Coordinator

Job Title: Respite Technician / Referral Coordinator Job Level: Assistant Department: Health Services Reports To: Nurse Administrator FLSA Status: Exempt Hours: Full Time SUMMARY Medical The Respite Technician provides quality supportive care to residents of the Sulzbacher Medical Respite. Under the supervision of the Nurse Administrator, the Technician’s clinical duties include assisting patients with personal hygiene, accompanying patients to clinic appointments where needed, assisting patients to maintain the cleanliness of their rooms, and reporting pertinent information to the Nurse Administrator or clinic healthcare providers. The Technician also coordinates with the clinic personnel, case managers and other members of the healthcare team to support efficient respite operations and ensure a positive patient experience Coordinator The Referral Coordinator serves as a resource for referring hospitals, residents and staff after office hours and on weekends and Holidays. In collaboration with the Nurse Administrator, the Referral Coordinator Call assumes responsibility for general oversight of program operations in accordance with established policies and procedures on a rotating basis to ensure continuity of care and consistent staff support. The Referral Coordinator remains available by telephone to answer questions, clarify care instructions, support collaborative partners and arrange coverage for unscheduled absences. The Referral Coordinator is responsible for covering shifts as needed to ensure continuity of care SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Referral Coordinator provides direction and oversight to Medical Respite Technicians after office hours and on weekends and Holidays.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the patient to maintain hygiene, including but not limited to bathing/showering, oral hygiene, nail care, changing of clothes, etc.

• Assists in wound care as needed.

• Maintains cleanliness of patient’s room by changing linens as needed and providing a clean environment to avoid infections.

• Helps maintain patient mobility by assisting with exercises (per order of healthcare provider or therapist), helping patients get out of bed, sit up, ambulate and support functional mobility.

• Provides mental and emotional support as needed; communicates with patients to help them feel more at ease and support therapeutic goals.

• Maintains respite equipment by cleaning and sterilizing as needed after use.

• Accompanies patients to referral appointments as needed.

• Monitors and records patient activity / changes and informs supervisors of any issues or potential issues the patient may be experiencing; documents any accidents that may affect the patient.

• Participates in other clinical or administrative projects as assigned by the Nurse Administrator.

• Serves as a resource for on-duty Medical Respite Technicians to provide clarification of patient care instructions and answer questions related to policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure excellent patient care.

• Supports communication and collaboration with referring partners.

• Accepts calls from staff members regarding emergency or unscheduled absences from scheduled shifts.

• Communicates with PRN staff members and contracted agencies to schedule uninterrupted staff coverage on all shifts.

• Communicates schedule changes to staff members and Nurse Administrator.

• Collaborates with the Nurse Administrator to plan effective Staffing patterns based on patient census and program needs.

• Collaborates with Nurse Administrator and referring partners to plan admissions and discharges to maximize patient census.

• Other duties as assigned.

RESIDENT, GUEST AND INTERNAL CUSTOMER FOCUS The Respite Technician/Referral Coordinator is sensitive to cultural, spiritual and practical needs of residents, families, guests and staff members in all interactions. This person provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by patients, residents, families and coworkers, and adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. The Technician reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness, and comfort of residents, patients, and work areas; and follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques. This person demonstrates an understanding of their role in facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED
• Licensed as a nurse in the state of Florida
• Current CPR certificate
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to work in fast paced environment

Physical/Mental Demands & Working Conditions

• Transportation and valid Florida driver’s license
• Flexibility to work various shifts as required to ensure that health services are adequately administered
• Ability to travel
• Works in typical clinical office setting
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds