Information Specialist/Options Counselor

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Information Specialist/Options Counselor will coordinate services to family caregivers of older adults and adults with disabilities who need intermittent short-term services and/or long-term support and services of the LifeLong Links - Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). For the seven county service area, the Information Specialist/Options Counselor will manage multiple resources, assist the person to streamline access to appropriate and necessary services, and ensure the person’s health, safety, and welfare. The Information Specialist/Options Counselor will work in a team environment to support the Heritage care continuum offered through effective coordination, support and appropriate referrals. This position requires a high degree of discretion when discussing issues with individuals seeking assistance, thus sensitive and confidential information must be handled according to specific procedures. This individual must be able to communicate well, work effectively as a team member, prioritize tasks and independently solve problems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides over-the-phone and in-home assessment, planning, referral and linkage, and ongoing monitoring of caregiver’s needs and interventions
• Acts as primary lead for Caregiver I&A referrals.
• Acts as back up to the Information and Assistance position when needed.
• Conducts person centered interviews to discover needs values and preferences for the consumer – family caregivers, to assist them to form a plan of action to help meet identified long term service and support needs
• Develops and implements an outreach strategy in conjunction with Supervisor to reach caregivers and agencies that serve caregivers
• Assist with any Caregiver Events
• Coordinate activities with Heritage team to carry out Area Plan strategies
• Facilitates training programs and or support programs for family caregivers that enhance their caregiving skills, along with planning and executing an event to honor family caregiver
• Collaborates with other agency staff, community members, clients, clients’ families, providers, supervisors, professionals, and volunteers
• Completes the intake/assessment/intervention plan in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 231 and IDA’s policies and procedures. Collect and record data on services provided, as well as other Outcome Measures area required by Iowa Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Services (ADS)
• Ensures activities and documentation comply with all local, state, and federal requirements
• Participates in quality assurance activities for the program
• Keeps current on program related information, initiatives, requirements and resources
• Develops and maintain relationships with key individuals and entities in the community

· Performs other related work duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

· Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences

· Provide outstanding service to our customers (other agency staff, subcontractors, volunteers, clients, and others) over the phone and in person

· Demonstrate consistent and regular attendance at work

· Read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form

· Be able to effectively utilize technology and computers including, but not limited to, office equipment, word processing, spreadsheets, and database software

· Show a commitment to detail and accuracy

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH OR WITHOUT A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field; or
• License to practice as a registered nurse; or
• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning; or
• Associate’s degree and four years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning; or
• License to practice as a licensed practical nurse and four years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

· Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle for required travel.

· Become CIRS-A/D certified within six months of being hired.

• Must be willing to be AIRS-A/D certified
• Must be willing to become certified in dependent adult abuse within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Preference given to individuals who are CIRS-A (Certified Information & Referral Specialists in Aging) through the National Alliance of Information & Referral Systems.
• Experience with disability and/or aging services are preferred.

Pay: From $23.31 per hour

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Salary : $23