Compassionate Listener Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Description

Summary

We believe that seniors of all ages have important contributions to make in their own lives, the lives of their loved ones and in their communities. As they age, we aim to support seniors to continue living fulfilling, meaningful, healthy and safe lives. We also seek to support caregivers in a variety of ways as they navigate new experiences, their needs, and the needs of their loved ones. The Shopping and Accompanied Transportation Driver provides individualized, person-centered support for clients, helping them maintain independence by accompanying them on errands and appointments. 

The ideal person for this role enjoys driving and is friendly, compassionate, and draws energy from interacting with others; has a sincere and natural desire to do what it takes to help others; is a good problem solver; and listens actively to clients. 

Agency Information

JFCS is a multi-faceted human services agency with the mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need. JFCS is a place where you can put your values to work every day. You will be able to:

• Make a positive difference in the lives of others
• Feel energized to give your best effort and enjoy a healthy work/life balance
• Learn, grow and accomplish new things

JFCS serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions and highly values inclusion and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. AA/EEO

Salary and Benefits

• $23.73/hour; up to 18 hours/week
• This position is eligible for 401(k), wellness leave (sick time), and paid family and medical leave

Responsibilities

Driving (85%)

For Shopping

Clients accessing shopping can make up to three stops (e.g., bank, grocery store, post office) in a two-hour shopping period. Shoppers drive and accompany clients on their errands.

• Arrange regular appointments with clients for weekly or every other week shopping support.
• Help clients in and out of vehicle as required and assist with clients' walkers as necessary (all participating clients must be ambulatory).
• Adhere to all JFCS passenger transportation safety protocols, drive clients to shopping and other errands, and provide assistance as needed (e.g., reaching for items, pushing a grocery cart, putting items in the vehicle).
• Shop or run errands on behalf of clients who are unable to accompany the shopper due to weather or other circumstances.
• Lift and carry groceries, and assist putting them away.
• Notify Case Manager of changes in client status, concerns about client and any out of the ordinary incidents including changes or cancellations.

For Accompanied Transportation

Clients accessing Accompanied Transportation receive a ride to medical appointments. Staff wait for the client in the waiting room and drive the client home after the appointment.

• Help clients in and out of vehicle as required and assist with clients' walkers as necessary (all participating clients must be ambulatory).
• Adhere to all JFCS passenger transportation safety protocols.
• Call client with reminders prior to appointment.
• Drive client to medical or other appointment, remain at the appointment, and drive the client home after the appointment.
• Notify Case Manager of changes in client status, concerns about client and any out of the ordinary incidents including appointment changes or cancellation.

Additional Duties (15%)

• Electronically complete accurate timesheets and records of mileage twice a month.
• Electronically submit client service log to Program Manger by the 5th of each month.
• Attend JFCS Senior Services team meetings as required.
• Participate in occasional in-service training.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Experience

• Knowledge of area roads and highways required. Experience in customer service, and work with older adults, individuals with diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities preferred.

Skills and Qualities:

• Compassionate, caring, and supportive of older adults and caregivers
• Familiarity with client confidentiality practices
• Good listener and strong communicator
• Effective problem solver
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Comfortable using a computer and submitting timesheets and mileage reimbursement electronically
• Ability to work creatively and collaboratively with clients and colleagues
• Sincere commitment to consistently reflect JFCS's Values: compassion; inclusion; innovation; integrity; and collaboration
• Proven ability to effectively engage with people from all backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and mental and physical abilities
• Punctual and reliable attendance

Work Environment & Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to be outdoors in changeable weather during all months of the year. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Combination of driving, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, bending, stooping, climbing and descending stairs. May be required to carry packages up stairs.
• Time is spent in the employee's vehicle, at clients' homes, and at stores and other locations for clients' errands.
• Must have use of personal car (sedan preferred), valid driver's license, auto insurance with appropriate coverage limits and clean driver record.
• Subject to criminal and motor vehicle background checks.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.