Application deadline is June 28, 2024 at 5:00 EST. Applicants will not be contacted until after this date.

GENERAL PURPOSE The Aging Care Manager 2 -- Assessments Unit position develops care plans for older adult clients through a county Area Agency on Aging program.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED This position reports directly to the Aging Care Management Supervisor.     SUPERVISION EXERCISED This position does not exercise supervision over other functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION Performs Functional Eligibility Determinations as per State Program requirements for home and community based services and nursing facility placement.

Completes appropriate assessment via face-to-face contact with consumer.

Obtains medical, psychological and/or psychiatric data necessary to determine consumer membership in pre-admission assessment program (OBRA) exceptions from screening process and/or appropriateness of nursing home placement.

Completes Functional Eligibility Determination and forwards necessary data to appropriate State program offices for OBRA consumers; communicates determination to OPTIONS consumers.

Completes assessments for Personal Care Home subsidy as per State requirements and assists eligible consumers in obtaining the subsidy.

Completes assessments in the State-mandated electronic information system using remote access technology. Maintains paper files of supporting documentation.

Maintains liaison with area hospitals, nursing homes, and agencies to expedite information, paper and consumer flow.

Attends and participates in consumer appeal hearings regarding Functional Eligibility Determination as appointed.

Participates in unit meetings, supervisory conferences and training/in-service programs as scheduled, either locally or out of town.

Participates and completes all required yearly assessor certification trainings.

Serves as a resource for other agencies or community organizations concerned with the human services needs of the community as appropriate.

As requested, undertakes necessary training and serves as backup Older Adults Protective Services worker for on-call purposes.

Counsels consumers about alternatives in the community.

Works with consumers to locate housing if necessary.

Works with discharge planners in skilled nursing facilities.

Functions as consumer's advocate.

Completes Needs Assessment Tool, writes care plans based upon previously assessed consumer needs, and performs reassessments as per State requirements.

Provides care management service to older adults on assigned caseload.

Authorizes in-home services provided by Agency's subcontractors. Follows up with consumer and/or providers to determine that service delivery has begun or is scheduled to begin as planned. As requested, reviews provider invoices to ensure proper service delivery.

Makes appropriate and timely entries in consumer's case record as maintained in the Area Agency on Aging data system (SAMS) and paper files. Such information includes identifying information, care enrollments, service plans, service orders, actions, and journal entries.

Obtains and reviews income and asset information regarding consumer and sets a cost-share amount as per State requirements when initial service plan is developed and at annual reassessment.

Makes referrals to other agencies offering services needed by consumer.

Cooperates with staff of other Divisions of the Department of Human Services and community agencies in the provision of service to shared consumers when appropriate. Care manager may be lead worker for a consumer and/or facility with other categorical needs or services.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various ypes of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE -- Six months as an Aging Care Manager 1 or a County Caseworker 1 with 12 semester credit hours of college level courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences; OR   Successful completion of the County Social Casework Intern program with 12 semester credit hours of college level courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences; OR   Six months of professional human services or nursing experience; and a bachelor's degree in social sciences, behavioral sciences, human services, or a closely related field, including 12 semester credit hours of college level courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences; OR   An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 semester credit hours of college level courses in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social sciences.   Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator's license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

*KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Knowledge of social casework principles and methods.

Knowledge of the availability of community support services for the benefit of older adults.

Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and community resources as related to older adults.

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of program interpretation and community organization.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior and ways of working effectively with older adults who have social, economic, emotional, and/or health problems.

Skill in the development of care plans to address the needs of older adults.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, other members of the staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the general public.

Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, set priorities and maintain a caseload of older clients in an effective manner.

Ability to interpret laws and regulations.

Ability to understand and accept the needs and rights of others and to work with older adults who are physically or emotionally disabled or economically disadvantaged.

Ability to work effectively with older adults and aid them to grow in the constructive use of their potential in adjusting to their specific problems.

Ability to clearly express ideas verbally, and in writing.

Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Ability to act in a professional manner at all times.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to