Bilingual Central Intake Specialist

POSITION:               Central Intake Specialist (Any Language)

DEPARTMENT:       Home Care

DESIGNATION:       Non-Union, Exempt

SUPERVISOR:         Central Intake Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Central Intake Specialist conducts assessments and assists individuals and families with developing comprehensive plans of care that promote safe and independent living in the community.  Assessments can be performed in a number of different locations to help meet the unique needs of the individual.  Discharge planning and providing options to support transitions from a community placement or hospital environment to the least restrictive setting are important features in trying to ensure the best outcome.

The Central Intake Specialist is a highly specialized expert, skilled at assessing an individual’s circumstances, determining their needs, and recommending appropriate services along the continuum of care.  The Bilingual Central Intake Specialist is typically the first person in the agency to see an individual, oftentimes in an acute situation, and therefore must be especially resourceful in developing initial service plans. Due to the highly specialized nature of the position and the time constraints, this person does not carry a caseload.   The Bilingual Central Intake Specialist will work in conjunction with case management teams to implement the plan of care promptly.  Finally, the Bilingual Central Intake Specialist will be highly knowledgeable regarding services and programs offered by Central Boston Elder Services and the community.  They will also provide support and education to individuals, families, and community partners regarding services, resources, and the appropriate referral process.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Complete visits to homes, hospitals, and other community facilities as referrals are assigned; discharge planning may be completed telephonically for referrals outside of the CBES catchment area when appropriate.
2. Conduct comprehensive interview to identify goals, needs, and barriers to successfully remain (or return) to the community, including evaluating formal and informal supports available to the individual as well the environment to which the individual intends to reside.
3. Complete appropriate assessments across the spectrum of programs offered by CBES, including but not limited to the Home Care Programs and MassHealth Programs such as Group Adult Foster Care.
4. Develop comprehensive plans of care with the individual and other family, friends, community partners that incorporates that individual’s preferences and right to self-determination with full consideration given to the availability of resources.
5. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team comprised of CBES staff and community partners, including but not limited to nursing facility staff, to ensure the safety and appropriateness of care plans, as well as approval when appropriate.
6. Make all necessary referrals to ensure the timely implementation of initial services and coordinate with care management teams to ensure the handoff of long-term responsibilities.
7. Complete all data entry and documentation as required by EOEA and CBES policy and procedures.
8. Continually develop and hone skills to advocate for consumers in a wide variety of situations.
9. Must attain Certified Application Counselor status from Massachusetts Health Connector.
10. Report suspected elder abuse as required by CBES policy.
11. Report suspected Fraud, Waste, and Abuse of resources as required by CBES policy.
12. Protect consumers’ Personal Health Information (PHI) and report any suspected security breaches by HIPAA regulations.
13. Perform all services by state and federal regulations, funding guidelines, and CBES policies and procedures.
14. Other duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must have demonstrated strong assessment skills.
2. Effective client advocacy skills and the ability to empower elders as well as those with people with disabilities in improving the quality of their lives.
3. ASAP and EOEA documentation experience preferred.
4. Knowledge of Home Care and MassHealth Programs, as well as other community resources and and basic knowledge of gerontological issues preferred.
5. Strong written, interpersonal, and presentation skills that convey a positive attitude and build relationships with clients and coworkers in an urban, multi-ethnic, and racially diverse environment.
6. Must be organized and detail-oriented, possess strong time management and priority settings skills with the ability to handle diverse responsibilities and to work independently with minimal supervision. 
7. Must be capable of working with a high degree of independence, using good judgment to anticipate and resolve issues as they arise.  
8. Strong computer knowledge, skilled in Microsoft office programs, and proficient typing.
9. Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment
10. A natural disposition to be flexible and collaborate unselfishly in a team-oriented organization.
11. Fluency in one of the following foreign languages strongly preferred: Spanish.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bilingual Central Intake Specialist must be fully fluent verbally and in one of the following foreign languages: Spanish, Russian, Somalian, Chinese, Haitian/Creole or Portuguese Creole.
2. A bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, human services, nursing, psychology, sociology or a related field OR
3. A bachelor’s degree in another discipline with demonstrated experience and/or strong interest in the field of human services via previous employment.
4. Two years of experience preferred in case management, service coordination, outreach or advocacy, discharge planning, and/or Community Housing Options

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

• Ability to lift and carry objects frequently weighing up to 10 to 15 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to travel to the community to perform visits at consumers’ home.
• Work requires regularly standing, stooping, and bending.