Care Specialist

Oakwood Creative Care•Mesa, AZ

17h

About The Position

Oakwood Creative Care is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced Care Specialist for its East Mesa Day Club. The part-time, hands-on role combines personal care assistance, meaningful engagement, and teamwork to help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for older adults, including people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Care Specialists balance direct personal care with active participation in daily Club activities, supporting members with physical and cognitive challenges while maintaining their dignity, patience, and respect. Oakwood Creative Care's Day Clubs aim to enhance quality of life and spark joy through expressive arts, fitness, history, storytelling, music, dance, and wellness, alongside personal care and other support services. The organization describes its culture as collaborative, innovative, honest, and grounded in a coaching leadership style.

Requirements

Previous professional experience providing direct personal care to older adults or people requiring assistance with daily living.
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 and a compassionate, patient, professional approach.
Ability to remain attentive, engaged, and adaptable in an active environment with changing member needs.
Self-motivation, dependability, and the ability to recognize and respond to needs while working collaboratively with a team.
High school diploma or equivalent.
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 certification, caregiver certification, or related healthcare training.

Responsibilities

Greet and assist members and guests warmly so 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 considering each member's abilities, preferences, and needs.
Use patience, creativity, and appropriate redirection when assisting 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.
Offer verbal cueing, redirection, and physical assistance while promoting independence, dignity, and respect.
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.
Help prepare, serve, and clean 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.
Take initiative in identifying member needs and completing daily responsibilities without constant direction.
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.
Provide reliable and flexible support to the team when additional assistance is needed.
Assist with additional coverage during vacations, special events, or staffing needs when available.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Club Director.