Care Assistant

Job Description

Recognized by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025 as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You'll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.

Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Associate assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
• Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility

• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Company provided life insurance
• Adoption benefit
• Disability (short and long term)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Optional life and dependent life insurance
• Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant's skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.

The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.

Responsibilities

Provides direct care to residents following an individual service plan. Treats each resident with respect and dignity, recognizes individual needs, and encourages independence. Fosters a homelike atmosphere throughout the community.

1. Assists residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring and getting to and from activities and meals according to the individual service plan. Allows and encourages residents to do as much of their own care as possible.
2. Serves meals to residents in the dining room or apartments. May assist in preparing meals following preplanned menus. Encourages residents to eat a proper diet and take adequate fluids while respecting the resident's right to free choice. Records and reports changes in resident's eating habits to the supervisor.
3. Initiates and participates in leisure activities provided for residents as described in the activity calendar. Encourages residents to socialize and participate in planned activities or programs and to develop friendships with other residents.
4. Maintains residents' records daily, in a timely manner, and in accordance with company policy and procedures. This includes documentation related to medication distribution as applicable, leisure activities, incidents and observations, reporting any changes in resident's physical condition and/or behavior, visitors, etc. Observes and reports the health and emotional condition of each resident and promptly reports all changes to the supervisor.
5. Only if permitted by state specific regulations, may assist residents with medication as defined in medication procedure. Follows physician orders and state laws to administer medications to residents who cannot self-administer their medications. Exhibits understanding of and follows medication policies and procedures. Refer to state specific regulations regarding medication assistance.
6. Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly environment for the residents. Performs general housekeeping, following cleaning schedules for resident laundry, bedrooms, dining area, living space, bathrooms, kitchen, etc.
7. Follows proper procedures in emergency situations and responds promptly and positively to resident requests for assistance, including emergency pull cords, telephone calls, and requests from family and friends.
8. Knows location of each resident, reminds them to sign out when they leave the building, and notifies the supervisor immediately if unable to locate a resident.
9. Encourages teamwork through cooperative interactions with co-workers.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and three to six months related experience preferred and/or training in direct service with older adults, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Refer to specific state regulations for qualifications required to assist with medications and direct care duties. Knowledge of dementia, particularly of the Alzheimer's type, is helpful.

Certifications, Licenses, and Other Special Requirements

• In accordance with state law, may need to possess current state certification and follow regulations to maintain current certification.
• Prior to obtaining caregiver certification, must provide care under the direction of a Certified Resident Care Associate, Lead Resident Care Associate, Resident Care Coordinator, or Health & Wellness Director.
• Prior to obtaining caregiver certification, may not administer or participate in any medication assistance and documentation whether prescribed or over the counter. May not assist or supervise residents who self-administer medication.
• County Food Handlers Card, First Aid Certification, and CPR Certification required.

Management/Decision Making
Makes standard and routine decisions based on detailed guidelines with limited independent judgment. Problems are generally solved with clear, detailed guidelines or by reporting them to a supervisor.

Knowledge and Skills
Has a basic level of a skill and can follow written or verbal instructions. Has basic technical skills to complete a few repetitive and well-defined duties. Has a basic knowledge of the organization in order to answer basic questions. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively in English with residents, family members and other associates of the company. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Uses good judgment in emergency situations, and seeks assistance when needed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb or balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Taste or smell
• Ability to lift: up to 50 pounds
• Vision
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
• Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage
• On-Call on an as needed basis
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
• Potential injury from transferring, repositioning, or lifting residents
• Exposure to latex
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infectious, or biological hazards
• Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
• Requires Travel: Occasionally

Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

About Us

Brookdale is a Great Place to Be :

• Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
• Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
• Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
• Industry leader in clinical care.
• Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
• Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.