SENIOR COMPANION7623F1 Pay Grade: $2.65/hr. DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is companionship work with older adults. Work involves establishing meaningful relationships with assigned older adults who have special needs while engaging them in beneficial activities which include, but are not limited to, reality orientation, walks, recreational games and individual conversations. Employee usually serves one older adult at a time. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL A: Routine… Where the work is usually repetitive and the employee works from detailed instructions, the difficulty is usually limited to accuracy and speed. Complexity - LEVEL A: Work is a simple or routine nature requiring very little analytical thought. Tasks are clearly defined, highly organized, closely related and often repetitive. Few if any alternatives exist for methods or procedures to be used. Work is usually in the form of specific assignments and is closely reviewed for accuracy and progress. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually detailed, easy-to-follow instructions that cover all or most of the important aspects of the work. Workers at this level can readily determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL A: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are insignificant as the work is normally closely reviewed and errors are easily detected by a standard check or cross-check. Costs due to errors are negligible. Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well-defined relationship. Normal communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Foster Grandparent (State) class, which provides companionship services to mentally retarded children. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Spends time privately with assigned older adults and other adults with special needs to allow a close personal relationship to develop. Helps older adults and other adults with special needs take part in physical or recreational activities by providing individual assistance and encouragement. Motivates the older adults and other adults with special needs to remain as active as physically possible rather than withdraw to inactivity. Assists older adults and other adults with special needs in planning, buying and preparing their food. Encourages and assists older adults and other adults with special needs in developing and/or maintaining contacts with family and friends. Assists older adults and other adults with special needs in acquiring medical and social services available to senior citizens. Helps older adults and other adults with special needs with correspondence, i.e., reading, writing letters, paying bills, filling out forms. Acts as an advocate for the needs and interests of their peers. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the needs of older adults and how to meet those needs. Abilities *Ability to communicate with older adults. *Ability to read and understand written and oral instructions and to carry them out. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must be at
least 60 years of age and meet federally set income eligibility guidelines for
the State of Kansas. |