Department: Health Center (Dining & Housekeeping within Small House)
Supervisor: House Manager/Lead

General Purpose

The Care Partner works within the Eden Alternative® / Small House model to create a home-like environment by providing non-clinical care and companionship to residents. This role is responsible for supporting daily life through meal preparation, dining service, and general housekeeping of resident rooms and all common areas. Care Partners help maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable home while fostering dignity, respect, and meaningful engagement with residents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in senior living, healthcare, dining, or housekeeping preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Must demonstrate patience, compassion, and respect when working with older adults.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Must have sufficient manual dexterity to safely operate kitchen and cleaning equipment.
• Physical ability to bend, reach, lift (up to 40 lbs), push/pull carts, and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Essential Functions of the Job

Home & Resident Support

• Builds positive, respectful, and collaborative relationships with residents, families, and team members.
• Assists residents in creating a home environment that supports dignity, autonomy, and choice.
• Maintains confidentiality and complies with Resident Rights and HIPAA regulations.

Meal Preparation & Dining

• Prepares and serves meals in accordance with planned menus, recipes, and resident preferences.
• Engages residents in the dining experience, encouraging participation and conversation.
• Ensures sanitation and safe food handling practices are followed at all times.
• Cleans and sanitizes kitchen work areas, dining tables, dishes, and equipment.

Housekeeping & Home Maintenance

• Cleans and maintains resident rooms, bathrooms, and household common areas (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, polishing, sanitizing).
• Manages laundry, linens, and trash removal in accordance with schedules and resident needs.
• Follows infection control, safety, and universal precaution procedures.
• Reports hazardous conditions, needed repairs, or safety risks promptly.

Community & Team Participation

• Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-services, and training.
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency procedures and assists with evacuations if necessary.
• Supports The Forest’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support residents and household life.

The Forest at Duke is proud to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), national origin, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other class of unique or protected character.