Responsible Person

About NEHD

New England Homes for the Deaf, founded in 1901, is a life plan community that offers a continuum of care to Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing seniors, including independent living, rest home, skilled nursing community, Deaf senior centers, short-term rehabilitation services, respite care services and hospice care. The New England Homes for the Deaf mission is to provide long term healthcare, housing, recreational activities and social support for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing individuals in an accessible, barrier-free, and culturally sensitive environment with optimal communication and architectural resources.

Responsibilities

Available to work 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM shift. Assure the overall care and well-being of all residents following federal, state, and facility guidelines. Coordinate with all other departments to meet the physical, social, and emotional needs of all residents. Communicate effectively with all family and friends of the residents, physicians, co-workers, and other professionals who assist in the facility. Dependable and flexible in work schedule. Follow established dress code.

Qualifications

Per 105 CMR Department of Public Health, 150.001 (AB): "Responsible Person shall mean an individual 21 years of age or older, who has received a high school diploma, is of good moral character, with ability to make mature and accurate judgments and with no mental or physical disabilities or personality disturbances that could interfere with adequate performance of duties and responsibilities. The responsible person shall also have the ability to communicate orally and in writing in English and the primary language used by patients and residents of a facility.

Exception

• Persons employed in this capacity on July 1, 1987, shall have at least four years within which to earn a Massachusetts High School Equivalency Certificate or may qualify for a waiver of the High School requirement under 153.03 (B) if they can demonstrate at least five years' experience as a responsible person."
• Continuing
• Education: As required by the state and facility, including seminars.
• Physical
• Requirements: Position requires routine bending and lifting a minimum of 50 pounds. The ability to make quick effective physical responses to nursing home emergencies including (but not limited to) falls and emergency evacuation. Must be able to walk at least 200 yards to complete rounds at least 4 times per 8-hour shift. Ability to maintain a professional attitude and appreciate to exposure to blood and body fluids. Receives report from responsible person going off duty. Counts controlled drugs with him/her and signs book. Dispenses and records medications following Physician orders and as instructed by the nurse consultant. Reports to nurse consultant and/or Physician any resident related problems. Reports to Physician any change in condition of a resident. Takes the Physician's orders and follows through with the necessary implementation. Notifies Director of Nursing of same if appropriate. Makes an incident report in case of accident or emergency. Notifies appropriate persons concerning incidents. Enters nursing notes on resident's charts as appropriate. Writes report in daily logbook. Keeps medicine closet neat, clean, and locked at all times. Keeps treatment closet neat, clean, and locked at all times. Orders drugs from the pharmacy as appropriate, including doing the weekly drug order. Assists Doctors during in-house visits. Offers in-between meal nourishments as appropriate. Assists with bath/showers, foot care and other ADLs as needed by residents. Honors the residents personal and property rights. Maintains confidentiality of resident care information. Follows approved procedure to report any suspected abuse situation. Understands the Fire and Disaster Plan and assists during fire drills as appropriate.
• Reports to
• Nurse
• Consultant as appropriate and receives instruction re: practices, procedures, infection control, medications, etc. Monitors and observes residents for any changes in their medical or functional status and reports any changes to nurse consultant and physician. Schedules consult appointments and transportation as ordered and as needed for residents. Follows up with recommendations from consulting physicians (i.e. pain clinic, ortho, psych, optometry, etc.) Ability to perform community activities with residents/drive residents to outside activities. Perform other duties as assigned. A background check report may be obtained for employment purposes. The background check may show criminal records.