What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Caregiver Specialist - Ottumwa, IA position at MILESTONES AREA AGENCY ON AGING?
- TITLE:** Family Caregiver Specialist - Hourly/Nonexempt
- REPORTS TO:** Social Services Director
- PURPOSE OF POSITION:** The Family Caregiver Specialists serves caregivers of older adults, veterans, persons 18 years of age and over with disabilities and older relatives caring for children under 18 years of age by providing information and assistance through direct service, referrals, options counseling and community educational sessions. The Family Caregiver Specialist assesses individual capacities and resources, links them to appropriate supportive services and provides follow-up support and advocacy.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:**
- Explain the role of the Family Caregiver Specialist to caregivers to set clear expectations and to emphasize to all participants the role of the caregiver as decision maker and empower the caregiver to advocate for their loved ones on their behalf.
- Utilize person-directed approach with the caregivers, to engage, and discuss their goals. Arrange and conduct one-on-one meetings, e-mail, and public education sessions to gather information from the caregivers about their wants, preferences, goals and to link caregivers with available support and services in their community.
- Searches through database, written, and computer-based information resources to provide individuals seeking information with several options and relevant materials over the phone, through mail or e-mail depending on the preference of the individual being served, and advocates on behalf of caregivers to ensure access to needed programs and services.
- Provides counseling, emotional support and validation for the caregiver as needed.
- Maintains accurate and complete individual records and documentation within database; maintains confidentiality per HIPPA requirements.
- Follows Milestones Area Agency on Agings follow-up policy and procedures to ensure individual has connected with needed services.
- Supply outreach contacts to Social Services Director, monthly, for reports to IA Department on Aging.
- Answer general questions related to the other Milestones programs as appropriate, facilitate referrals to those programs and contribute to the overall agency team effort.
- Other duties as assigned.
- BA/BS with preferred Human Services focus and 2 years work experience in a human service-related field - OR - Associate degree and 4 years of experience working in the human service field.
- Knowledge of community resources (public and private): what they are, how to access, eligibility criteria, and how to seek out additional resources (databases, websites, networking)
- Knowledge of government programs (i.e., Medicaid, Waivers, Medicare)
- Written and verbal communication skills: active listening, motivational interviewing, and clear presentation of information to consumers
- Outstanding customer service skills
- Accurately input data directly into the database during telephone consultation
- Independent problem solving, detail-oriented
- Knowledge of aging and disability resource
- Must be able to become certified as an Alliance of Information and Referral Specialists (AIRS) and Adult Mandatory Reporter within 6 months of employment.
- Must have valid drivers license, auto insurance, access to reliable transportation, and ability to travel as required.
Ability to handle multiple programs, accept responsibility, work interdependently with all other agency program staff, determine priorities and schedule time effectively.
***** Certified Community Healthcare Workers (CHW) Encouraged to Apply *****
- SCHEDULE:**Full-Time: 40 hours weekly, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
SALARY:**$21.00 per hour
- BENEFITS:**Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Insurance, Shor Term Disability, Paid Life Insurance, IPERS Retirement, Vacation and Sick Time, 1 Personal Day and 12 Paid Holidays Annually
Salary : $21