REAL Care Specialist

Location: South Bend
Department: AAA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Full Time

JOB SUMMARY

This full-time, at-will position is responsible for providing information and options, addressing individual needs, and managing the coordination of ongoing services.  This position provides resources, conducts Face-to-Face Options Counseling, and develops Service Plans.  This position focuses on services funded for caregivers under Title III-E of the Older Americans Act.  This position provides decision support to inquirers while assisting them in making educated decisions about long term services and supports and about options available in the community to promote independence.  This position makes appropriate referrals and provides information and resources on specific programs that may benefit the individual and the caregiver. This position provides on-going Care Management services to support caregivers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned and/or requested from time to time in fulfillment of the agency’s mission

1) Meet with individuals, families, and caregivers to provide comprehensive assessment of needs and facilitate Options Counseling. Identify the individual’s strengths, values, and preferences.  Identify resources available to individuals and their caregivers.

2) Assess clients for potential eligibility for funding sources and programs.  Determine eligibility for on-going home and community-based services.

3) Assist in accessing home and community based services that would meet identified need(s).  Take action to initiate appropriate services.  Develop initial service plan and submit level of care documentation.  Update, reduce, and terminate care plans/services based on the individual and caregiver’s current needs.

4) Use resources wisely, ensuring services are cost-effective, appropriate, and needed.

5) Contact preferred vendors to secure service providers.

6) Conduct PAS Assessments including Level 1, the Level of Care determination tool, and Options Counseling.

7) Provide excellent customer service.  Serve individuals in a manner that is empowering, encourages independence, and is patient, compassionate, and person-centered.

8) Apply person-centered philosophy and “Needs Based” service model.

9) Advocate on behalf of the individual’s needs and the caregiver’s needs.

10) Maintain care management standards and meet task timelines.  Actively contribute to the outcomes of the team and meet team expectations.

11) Complete required documentation and reports in an accurate, concise, and timely manner.

12) Coordinate work flow and coverage with other agency staff members.

13) Attend staff meetings and training sessions.

14) Train agency staff members.

15) Alert supervisor when consultation is needed.  Work with Team Leader and other disciplines when additional consultation is required.

16) Contribute to an environment that supports our mission of individual service and care.

17) Abide by agency Personnel Policies and Code of Ethics.

18) Travel throughout Area 2 as needed to perform essential duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A REAL Care Specialist is responsible for performing intake and ongoing care management activities to serve caregivers of individuals who are aged and/or have physical disabilities.  Responsibilities include conducting assessments with inquirers and with established individuals and caregivers to assess needs, determine eligibility for programs, make recommendations for community services, or alternate living arrangements, seek out resources to meet needs, determine appropriateness of services, determine Level of Care, and manage Action Plans and Plans of Care, all based on the needs of the individual and caregiver.  It is essential that work is completed in a quality and timely manner and in accordance with program standards and guidelines.  It is sometimes necessary to use some analysis and judgment in determining the best procedure to follow or how to best communicate information to individuals and caregivers who may be in stressful situations.  Efficient and accurate work, documentation, reporting, and billing are critical.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

– A bachelor’s degree in any field

– Maintain ongoing Case Management certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,  AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1) Knowledge of in-home and community-based services, funding sources, and eligibility

2) Knowledge of options, funding sources, services, resources, and information available through REAL Services and in the community

3) Knowledge of in-home and community-based services, funding sources, and eligibility. Understands basics of Medicare, Medicaid, Private insurance, other benefits, and other payment options.

4) Ability to assess an individual’s specific needs and plan solutions; to understand, empathize, and relate to behavior of individuals; to certify initial and ongoing eligibility for programs and services being authorized on the service plan.

5) Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing with good interviewing skills

6) Ability to convey difficult information to an individual/family/caregiver in a tactful and diplomatic manner

7) Ability to develop rapport quickly and to empathize and understand individual behaviors

8) Ability to organize information, prioritize assignments, complete tasks in a timely manner, and to use sound judgment

9) Self-motivated; ability and attitude to work productively independently and cooperatively

10) Ability to understand and relate to the needs of the individuals, caregivers, Agency, and community partners

11) Ability to follow instructions and procedures, to interpret information and to complete assigned tasks in accurate, concise, and detailed manner

12) Ability to operate office equipment, including but not limited to phone, e-FAX, copy machines, and computer equipment

13) Ability to learn State- approved software and other computer programs as relevant to successful completion of tasks.  Ability to use Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Information & Referral Software, Resource Software, and State-mandated computer programs.  Ability to use ipad or laptop for care management assessment functions and other related tasks.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

The work demands sound judgment be exercised in selecting the most tactful communication approaches.  All documentation must be accurate and timely.  Some of the work is repetitive in nature inasmuch as the same tools, forms, and procedures are utilized routinely, but does involve variables and considerations when dealing with diverse situations.  Contact is telephonic and face-to-face in the office and sites where individuals are met (homes, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, public spaces, etc.)  Travel independently within Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties in Indiana is required.  May have to conduct appointments after normal business hours to accommodate caregivers.

PERSONAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

1) With various client, their families, and caregivers

2) With community professionals

3) With Agency staff members

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often seated, standing, climbing stairs, descending stairs or walking at will in a typical office setting, in clients’ homes, in healthcare facilities, and in public locations to meet with clients.  The employee is often driving to meet with clients.  Very limited physical effort required.

1) Valid driver’s license and a dependable vehicle required.

2) Regular and reoccurring travel to meetings, training, and client visits required.

3) Must meet the Agency’s required vehicle insurance coverage level at the time employment begins and maintain it throughout the duration of employment.

4) Effective hires starting 09.01.2020 and after: Password protected personal home internet access of a quality good enough so required duties may be performed.  Including, but not limited to, basic web browsing and data entry, conducting internet-based telephone and video calls, viewing webinars, and participating in online meetings.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1) Successful candidate must submit to a pre-employment drug screening, National Sex Offender registry check and a limited criminal history check.

2) Proof of educational credentials and any licensing is required at time of employment

3) This position has a 6 month probationary period

4) Must sign non-compete clause and confidentiality agreement

5) Must maintain current auto insurance declaration with the Agency at all times

6) Must learn and effectively use the State approved case management system

7) Must learn and effectively use Visionlink or any other resource database utilized in the ADRC

Apply for this position

Thank you for applying for this position. Please remember to fill out and upload your Pre-Employment Application and resume.

Download the Pre-Employment Application at: https://realservices.org/app

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