Care Specialist

Oakwood Creative Care • Mesa, AZ

2d

About The Position

Oakwood Creative Care is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced Care Specialist for its East Mesa Day Club. This part-time, active, hands-on role combines personal care assistance, meaningful engagement with members, and teamwork. The Care Specialist helps create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for older adults, including people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The role balances direct personal care with participation in daily Club activities while maintaining each member's dignity, patience, and respect.

Oakwood Creative Care's Day Clubs aim to enhance quality of life and spark joy for older adults living with cognitive and physical challenges. Programs include expressive arts, fitness, history, storytelling, music, dance, and wellness, supported by nursing oversight, personal care assistance, medication support, nutrition counseling, support groups, and education. The organization describes its culture as collaborative, joyful, innovative, communicative, and guided by a coaching leadership style.

Requirements

• Previous professional experience providing direct personal care to older adults or individuals requiring daily living assistance.
• Comfort providing hands-on assistance with toileting, hygiene, mobility, and other personal care needs.
• Ability to safely assist members with physical support and transfers according to training and established procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a compassionate, patient, and professional approach.
• Ability to remain attentive, engaged, and adaptable in an active environment with changing member needs.
• Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to recognize and respond to needs while collaborating with a team.
• Genuine interest in building relationships and creating meaningful experiences for older adults.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance and successful completion of applicable background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
• Experience in memory care, assisted living, adult day services, in-home caregiving, or a similar setting.
• CNA, caregiver certification, or related healthcare training.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist members and guests warmly, ensuring they feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
• Build relationships with members through conversation, encouragement, and opportunities for connection.
• Participate in creative and wellness programs, including art, music, movement, history, and cognitive activities.
• Encourage participation while recognizing individual abilities, preferences, and needs.
• Use patience, creativity, and appropriate redirection to support members experiencing confusion, anxiety, or dementia-related behavioral changes.
• Provide hands-on personal care, including toileting, hygiene, mobility support, and other activities of daily living.
• Provide verbal cueing, redirection, and physical assistance while promoting independence and dignity.
• Assist members with safe mobility and transfers according to established procedures and training.
• Recognize and communicate changes in members' physical, emotional, or cognitive well-being to appropriate team members.
• Monitor and document monthly vital signs as assigned.
• Assist with preparing, serving, and cleaning up lunch and snacks while following food safety guidelines.
• Support transitions between activities, meals, and personal care routines.
• Collaborate with the Club Director, nursing staff, teachers, and fellow Care Specialists to provide consistent, high-quality care.
• Recognize member needs and complete daily responsibilities with initiative.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized Club environment through light cleaning and daily upkeep.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members about member needs, concerns, and daily operations.
• Support the team with reliability and flexibility, including additional coverage for vacations, special events, or staffing needs when available.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Club Director.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED