Providing care in a careless world

From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that the priorities in society are in a word…FUCKED. I am pursuing a career in the mental health care industry, thus have had the opportunity to work in diverse settings, with clients who have a variety of challenges, both behavioral and physical. I wish I could say that I am shocked at the treatment, both of the clients and the staff, but I suppose I am too jaded by experience. In a world where large corporations are rewarded for bad behavior via bailouts, the care industry is continually falling by the wayside.

The following is a job description that details the job duties involved in a typical caregiving role:

Job Description:

• To implement all policies, procedures, and/or legal commitments to residents as required by the State and the agency.
• To actively participate in developing and implementing plans to meet the needs of the residents.
• To actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, workshops and special meetings as required.
• To fulfill delegate responsibilities and report at staff meetings on such duties as required.
• To be an advocate and appropriate role model for all residents.
• To document on proper forms all activity relative to the operation of the home to include, but not be limited to the following:
• Unusual incidents involving consumers, staff, or other persons related to the home.
• Administration of medication, medication errors, accidents, medical emergencies, seizures and other medical matters.
• Noticeable changes in resident conduct, either positive or negative.
• All necessary forms pertaining to resident programs.
• All required forms related to operation of the agency vehicles.
• All necessary forms related to specific delegated responsibilities.
• To distribute all medications according to each resident's medication schedule, and as trained.
• To follow written behavior support strategies, including completion of all written documentation requirements.
• To provide activities or programs for residents during work shift.
• To provide counseling or reinforcement to resident(s). The responsibility is to be carried out in accordance with training received.
• To assist in supervising and transporting resident to community activities, if designated an approved driver.
• To know and follow emergency home procedures for fire, tornadoes, accidents and other such circumstances.
• To assist guardians, parents and volunteers in understanding and working towards implementing the principles of person centered practices when in contact with consumers.
• To help maintain the quality of the home environment by taking initiative in cleaning and making minor repairs of home, property and grounds when required or needed.
• To assist in shopping, meal preparation, and clean-up when on duty.
• To seek supervisory direction, whenever uncertain about proper procedures, by contacting management staff in an orderly manner as defined by the agency's organization chart.
• To report, promptly, any instances of observed or suspected mistreatment, abuse, or neglect of any consumer to proper authorities and supervisor.
• Stoop, bend, lift and carry at least fifty pounds of weight without assistance when performing household duties, shopping, or assisting persons served.

In exchange for fulfilling the above needs, guess the hourly wage...