Dementia Care Specialist

II. Essential Job Functions

- Develop referral relationships with physicians, dementia diagnostic clinics, and other health and long-term care providers.

- Provide dementia-specific consultation and technical assistance related to cognitive screening and individual and family caregiver issues to adult protective services agencies (APS), crisis response systems, county/tribal aging offices, ADRC staff members, and other agencies, as requested.

- Provide at least two approved evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions, one specifically designed for family caregivers, as part of ongoing activities. Maintain fidelity to the intervention model and accommodate families' schedules for meetings (e.g., evenings and weekends, when necessary).

- Provide volunteer training and guidance to expand the reach of the goals of the Dementia Care Specialist Program.

- Collaborate actively and develop referral protocols with local, regional, and statewide dementia organizations, including the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, the Alzheimer's Association chapters, and the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.

- Offer and provide person-centered support when memory screens are positive to ensure opportunities for follow-up with primary care providers are available in accordance with the individual's preferences.

- Offer and provide short-term service coordination for individuals with dementia and/or their caregivers. Coordinate with other ADRC, county/tribal aging unit(s), APS, and other county staff members and be available for joint or independent home visits.

- Serve as a catalyst for developing and implementing strategies to create and sustain dementia-friendly communities in the ADRC service area.

- Provide outreach and awareness to professionals, employers, organizations, and the general community about the ADRC and available dementia services.

- Maintain current knowledge of dementia, research findings, new evidence-based interventions, and other innovations for people living in the community.

- Participate actively in DCS statewide and regional meetings, training programs, and conference calls. Assist colleagues by sharing experiences. Mentor new DCS staff and provide materials and products to other ADRCs, as requested. Provide conference workshops as requested and appropriate to increase awareness of dementia and the services available.

- Complete 100%-time reporting, collect and report program data, and contribute to DCS program evaluation.

- Fulfill a customer service role, ensuring that the consumer experiences a welcoming atmosphere and that consumer satisfaction is achieved.

- Use telephone skills (professional greeting, warm tone of voice, courteous and appropriate language) and interviewing techniques with active listening skills (over the phone, in person, and via email) to build rapport with an unhurried attitude.

- Perform home visits at a time and place that best meets the consumer’s schedule.

- Gather sufficient information to accurately identify and clarify customers' problems and needs, explore needs beyond the presenting problem, look at short- and long-term solutions, check in with the customers, and summarize their requests.

- Search and interpret the Information and Assistance resource database and other written and computer-based information resources to identify, evaluate, and suggest potential programs and services.

- Provide information about programs, services (public and private), and public benefits, make referrals, and, when needed, help consumers connect to appropriate services.

- Use creativity in finding options, provide inquirer several options but help to prioritize instead of overwhelming consumers, and give specifics on eligibility and process to apply for services and resources.

- If appropriate, assists individuals in connecting with a resource if they are unable; provides advocacy.

- Research additional or alternative resources.

- Constructs and communicates an effective consumer-driven action plan.

- Provides short-term service coordination according to HSD and Division policy and procedure.

- Provide follow-up as needed to determine outcomes and provide additional assistance in locating resources and arranging services locating resources and arranging services.

- Include information about publicly funded long-term care and assist consumers throughout the eligibility determination and enrollment process.

- Assist individuals in completing Medicaid and other public benefit program applications (e.g., Foodshare).

- Collect preliminary financial data (including medical and remedial expenses) and refer to the Economic Support Unit for financial eligibility determination.

- Participate in various transition activities designed to help youth who have a disability transition from school to the adult service system.

- Participates in program development, marketing, and outreach activities, including representing the ADRC at public information events.

- Other Duties as Assigned.

III. Qualifications:

- A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree is required, preferably in the health or human services.

- At least one year of full-time paid experience working directly with multiple people with dementia and family/informal caregivers (e.g., providing direct care, caregiver support, support group facilitation, residential care management, home care) is preferred.

- Expertise and knowledge regarding older adults, dementia, dementia care and support, family and informal caregiver needs, and challenging behaviors.

- Skills and experience in facilitating small group learning and discussion programs.

- Experience with family caregivers of people with dementia and family dynamics.

- Experience in developing collaborative relationships, preferably with community organizations and healthcare professionals.

- Competence in public speaking and engaging community members and professionals.

- Experience in program development, implementation, and creation of reports.

- Three to five years of experience in Social Services/Human Services or ADRC and Commission on Aging is strongly preferred.

- The Department must request a waiver of education and experience requirements for candidates considered to have achieved equivalent qualifications via alternative means before the candidate is hired. Requests should be submitted to DHSRCTeam@wisconsin.gov. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services approval of waiver requests is at its discretion.

IV. Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Expertise and knowledge regarding older adults, dementia, dementia care and support, family and informal caregiver needs, and challenging behaviors.

- Skills and experience in facilitating small group learning and discussion programs.

- Experience with family caregivers of people with dementia and family dynamics.

- Experience in developing collaborative relationships, preferably with community organizations and healthcare professionals.

- Competence in public speaking and engaging community members and professionals.

- Experience in program development, implementation, and creation of reports.

- The ability to provide culturally competent services and support.

- The ability to function independently and be resourceful in the roles undertaken.

- The ability to adjust work hours to meet with program participants and to provide community and employer outreach and educational programs.

- Knowledge, understanding, and interest in the services provided through the Human Services Department and Integrated ADRC/COA Division and community services commonly used to address the needs of individuals and families unable to meet basic financial needs.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, agency personnel, governmental committees, and boards, clients and their families, and representatives of other human service providers.

- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

- Ability to counsel and mediate for the purposes of client case management.

- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all client information, records, and office operations. Treats clients, coworkers, and the general public with dignity regardless of race, color, creed, disability, or nation of origin.

- Ability to operate in a continually changing and fast-paced environment.

- Ability to travel. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable personal transportation with adequate auto insurance to meet minimum County requirements or other reliable means for local and state-wide travel.

V. Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.

Mostly sedentary in a typical office setting. Frequent walking and standing. Employee has frequent contact with public. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. Essential functions require a high level of concentration and attention to detail.

Pay: $25.41 - $30.49 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $30