JOIN OUR NEW WAYSTATION MEDICAL RESPITE TEAM!

Currently looking for individuals exploring new opportunities to join the
direct service field working with our communities most vulnerable populations!
$1.00 Overnight Shift Differential for hours worked from 10pm-7am.

DETAILED SUMMARY:

Waystation Recuperative Respite Program (Waystation) is a respite emergency shelter for patients discharged directly from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC) that are experiencing literal homelessness and need recuperative respite placement prior to returning to their current living arrangements. Waystation provides services to individuals with an emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.
The Wellness Engagement Specialist Provides education regarding community services, supports client-identified and lead goal setting, and prevention services to respite clients and building operations including associated documentation. Responsible for daily crisis management, client relationship management, and effective and safe daily building operations. Works closely with clients, program staff and partner community providers to support clients as they recuperate and assist with connecting them to additional community services and housing resources.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Minimum two-years experience in Human Services, Home Care, Assisted Living, Adult Family Home, Skilled Nursing Facility, Medical Assistant Duties,
   or Homeless Shelter settings.
2. Preferably experience with the challenges related to homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency preferred.
3. Prior experience with comprehending and following hospital discharge orders/client needs preferred.
4. If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
5. Valid Washington State Driver’s License by time of hire and good driving abstract (submitted upon request) with ability to maintain insurability
   through Opportunity Council’s insurance provider during length of employment.
6. Have (or obtain at time of hire) and maintain current Washington Food Handler’s Permit during length of employment.
7. Current First Aid card and CPR training (or obtain within 30 days) and must maintain current certificates for length of employment.
8. Obtain a negative Tuberculosis (TB) test by time of hire.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Decision-making skills and ability to creatively problem solve using sound judgment.
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively and respectfully provide confidential services to diverse, low-income populations, including individuals and
   families in crisis situations.
3. Remains calm and respectful during client emergencies and crises, and possesses strong communication skills.
4. Time management skills including the ability to work independently and prioritize with frequent interruptions.
5. Record keeping skills ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date and accurate notes, and proper maintenance of client files, including the
   use of multiple databases.
6. Experience coordinating with other professionals and social service agencies with proper Releases of Information (ROI) in place.
7. Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, frequent squatting, kneeling, bending, reaching, repetitive movements, writing/typing, and ability to lift/move >40 lbs.

ESSENTIAL, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Interacts with clients in respite program, maintaining a positive and supportive environment. Also, assists residents in the facility regarding nutritional needs and encourages healthy eating, as set forth by PSJMC Medical Provider and Discharge Staff, promotes cleanliness in all areas, and supports client agency for all self-serve food/beverage items.
2. Attends to the milieu to ensure a restful and cooperative environment.
3. Stays in regular communication with staff members of PSJMC to coordinate/discuss discharges to Waystation. This can include, but is not limited to pre-admission paperwork/needs/pre
   set appointments for the client, etc. Works with Discharge Planners and other relevant staff at PSJMC to arrange for clients to go back to the hospital as warranted.
4. Prepares rooms for visiting partner-providers to meet with clients of Waystation Medical Respite and sanitizes them after each appointment/use. Also, assists with turnovers in stay including routine cleaning and sterilization of client carousels and other common areas used by clients.
5. Regularly reviews Needs Assessment (originally completed by PSJMC staff prior to discharge from PSJMC) and collaborates with client to agree upon activities during their course of stay that incorporates their medical care plan goals (set up at time of discharge from PSJMC).
6. Assists in the initiation, facilitation, and promotion of on-site activities, as applicable. This can include but is not limited to promoting client hygiene, prompting clients to care for any assigned medical equipment as determined by client’s medical team, creating healthy habits that align with medical recommendations, low-impact exercise (I.e. taking small walks) as determined by client’s medical team, verbal medication prompting, and ensuring access to basic need supplies/information to promote success upon discharge from Waystation.
7. Maintains safety and security by monitoring all general access areas, enforcing program guidelines, and client contracts both inside medical respite and at the designated smoking area for clients.
8. Assists clients with medication prompting program, according to Waystation Policy and Procedure, and records all interactions and transactions according to guidelines while maximizing privacy. This may include reporting information into several systems to maintain accurate tracking.
9. Intervenes in crises, responds to emergencies, and initiates action as required, including contact with emergency response systems. Accurately reports incidents to Waystation Coordinator in a timely manner.
10. Works cooperatively with case managers and other program and partner staff and assists in the coordination of services to clients. Regularly follows up with partners to ensure continuum of care needs are met, and that client is actively engaged in all services offered.
11. Processes and maintains required paperwork and documentation, including daily client activity logs. Maintains HIPAA compliant records, safeguarding clients’ information and working with community providers appropriately.
12. Apply for and accept housing referrals, specialized counseling, employment, medical and mental health services, specialized transportation, and other needed services that promote wellness at Waystation and post client discharge from the Waystation Facility.
13. Completes intakes and/or check ins to the Coordinated Entry System and provides resource referrals as necessary.
14. Dietary and Environmental Services:
    a. Maintains cleaning and sterilization duties during each shift, with an emphasis on weekly and monthly deep cleaning for kitchen area.
    b. Ensures organization of kitchen and all supplies, timely ordering of food and other supplies
    related to the Waystation Kitchen.
    c. Promptly and regularly records temperatures for pre-packaged meals delivered on-site to
    ensure food safety guidelines are met.
    d. Ensures proper storage of cold foods/beverages, dried/preserved foods/beverages,
    appropriately labels items, and tracks inventory delivered/removed for food safety.
    e. Completes inventory and tracking related to food stocking, food expiration dates, and
    monitoring of food temperatures.
    f. Participates in cleaning of all common/food areas, restrooms, carousels, partner-provider
    areas, and completes other cleaning tasks as assigned. Including emptying and sanitizing
    garbage cans.
    g. Regularly stocks paper products in common/food area and other areas of Waystation.
    h. Works cooperatively with Waystation Team to ensure timely scheduled cleaning and
    sanitization of all bathrooms and client carousels when turning them over. This includes
    sweeping, moping, sanitizing handles/surfaces, and restocking products as needed.
    i. Provides quality engagement to promote dignity and respect to everyone at Waystation.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
2. Completes special projects and other related duties as assigned.
3. Continuously abides by all safety policies and procedures at Waystation.
4. Remains current with all available resources in Whatcom County.