Care Specialist

Care Specialist – Part-Time

Oakwood Creative Care | East Mesa Day Club

About Oakwood Creative Care

At Oakwood Creative Care's Day Clubs, our mission is to enhance the quality of life and spark joy in older adults living with cognitive and physical challenges through expressive arts, fitness, history, storytelling, music, dance, and wellness, including nursing oversight, personal care assistance, medication support, nutrition counseling, support groups, and education.

Our Culture & Values

We exist to make a difference and have fun doing it. We believe in creating and sharing joy. With a coaching leadership style, we practice open and honest communication, continually innovate, and work together to achieve our mission.

Position Summary

The Care Specialist is the glue that holds our Day Club together. We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced individual to join our East Mesa team in a part-time position.

This is an active, hands-on caregiving role that combines personal care assistance, meaningful member engagement, and teamwork. Our Care Specialists play an essential role in creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for older adults, including individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

The ideal candidate has previous caregiving experience, takes initiative, communicates effectively, and is comfortable supporting members with both physical and cognitive challenges. This position requires someone who can balance hands-on personal care with active participation in daily Club activities while maintaining dignity, patience, and respect for every member.

Responsibilities Include

ENGAGE

• Greet and assist members and guests with warmth, ensuring each person feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
• Build meaningful relationships with members through conversation, encouragement, and opportunities to spark joy and connection.
• Actively participate in creative and wellness programs, including art, music, movement, history, and cognitive activities.
• Encourage member participation while recognizing individual abilities, preferences, and needs.
• Use patience, creativity, and appropriate redirection when supporting members experiencing confusion, anxiety, or dementia-related behavioral changes.

CARE

• Provide hands-on personal care assistance, 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.
• Assist with preparing, serving, and cleaning up lunch and snacks while following food safety guidelines.
• Support transitions between activities, meals, and personal care routines to maintain a smooth and positive daily experience.

TEAMWORK

• Collaborate with the Club Director, nursing staff, teachers, and fellow Care Specialists to ensure members receive consistent, high-quality care.
• Take initiative in recognizing member needs and completing daily responsibilities without requiring constant direction.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized Club environment through light cleaning and daily upkeep.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members regarding member needs, concerns, and daily operations.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to support 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.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Previous professional experience providing direct personal care to older adults or individuals requiring daily living assistance.
• Experience working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia strongly preferred.
• Experience in memory care, assisted living, adult day services, in-home caregiving, or a similar setting preferred.
• Comfortable 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, dependable, and able to recognize and respond to needs while working collaboratively with a team.
• Genuine interest in building relationships and creating meaningful experiences for older adults.
• CNA, caregiver certification, or related healthcare training is a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must have current Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance and successfully pass applicable background checks.