Description

Company name: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Title of position: ASSESSMENT WORKER I - LONG TERM CARE ACCESS (LTCA) UNIT

Position type: Full Time

Pay range: $41,192.55-$47,685.53 varies with experience.

Location: PCA Main Building

THE ORGANIZATION

A private nonprofit organization founded in 1973, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a large agency that is part of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) nationwide network. Founded as a result of the federal Older Americans Act, the AAAs are mandated to “facilitate the area-wide development and implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated system for providing long-term care in home and community-based settings, in a manner responsive to the needs and preferences of older individuals and their family caregivers.” PCA carries out this mission through advocacy, stewardship of public funding, planning, development and administration of programs, and service coordination.

The mission of PCA is to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and those with disabilities and assist them in achieving the greatest possible levels of health, independence, and productivity.

Benefits:

• Medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental coverage
• Flexible spending plan (health and dependent care)
• EAP, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax commuting, and parking benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and optional employee pre-tax contributions.
• Annual paid time off includes 13 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 4 weeks of vacation. (Note: vacation and personal days are front loaded and are pro-rated if date of hire is not January 1st; sick days are accrued based on hours worked).

Requirements

Description of Role: Under the supervision of an Assessment Supervisor in Long Term Care Access, this position is responsible for the assessment utilizing the Functional Eligibility Determination (FED) tool to make a level of care determination, and limited follow-up of individuals age 18 and over who seek Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), admission to a nursing home, personal care home, or domiciliary care home.

Required Education and Experience: 

•  Bachelor's degree including or supplemented by twelve credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social science. Or any equivalent combination of experience and training including completion of 12 semester hours credit semester hours credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social science. 

Or

• Two years of casework experience including one year of experience performing assessments of client’s functional ability to determine the need for institutional or community-based services and a bachelor's degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 semester hours credit in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, or other related social science.

Or

• One year's experience in public or private social work and/or one year assessment experience and a Bachelor's Degree. One year's experience in the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) system may be substituted for one year's assessment experience.

Job Responsibilities: 

A. Successfully complete Pennsylvania Individualized Assessment (PIA) and Functional Eligibility Determination (FED) training along with other required training to become certified to administer the assessment tool to applicants. Successfully complete yearly ongoing Assessor training and other required training to maintain certification.

B. Maintain individual electronic work schedule in the Long-Term Care Access Management System as required by the department.

C. Complete a daily case quota of FED assessments. Appropriately administer the FED using a thorough interview to record consumer answers and information received from the consumer’s physician, family, friends, and referral source per the applicant's preferences. Consult with Assessment Supervisor as necessary. 

D. Evaluate the availability and appropriateness of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) or facility placement to best meet applicant's needs and make the most appropriate, least restrictive, locus of care decision with consideration of applicant's preferences.

E. Complete financial screening tools for applicants interested in Personal Care Home, Domiciliary Care placement, or Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) as well as for community-based programs of Pennsylvania Department of Aging including OPTIONS, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Community Health Choices (CHC) and Living Independently for Elders (LIFE) and for additional programs not available through PCA, including ACT 150.

F. Refer applicants to appropriate Home and Community Based Services or make requests to add applicants to programs waiting list if one exists and eligible applicants for home delivered meals who are awaiting services such as CHC Waiver or Options services or those who prefer meals only. 

G. Complete the Pre-admission Screening/Annual Resident Review (PASARR) process for individuals identified with Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or other related disability as required by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA).

H. Conduct standardized Department of Human Services Medical Assistance financial application forms for applicants in the community who want to be relocated to a Nursing Home Facility.

I. Input and maintain data in all automated systems on a timely basis. 

J. Accurately complete reconciliation reports for all assessments.

K. Upload completed and required assessment related forms to the appropriate folder located in the automated filing system.

L. Interface with all PCA Long Term Care programs, providers, and referral sources in a professional and cooperative manner. 

M. Attend staff, team, and in-service meetings and trainings as required.

N. Participate in on-going problem solving, program evaluation and development with team and all staff.

O. Represent agency and program policies, procedures, and objectives to applicants, referral sources, providers, and the public.

P. Contribute to upholding a highly supportive team culture.

Q. Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Characteristics:

• Well-organized with a high energy level.
• Well-developed verbal, written, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to quickly acquire needed knowledge and manage a high volume of clientele and documentation with attention to detail and productivity.
• High level of flexibility.

Additional Requirements: 

1. Valid driver's license, good driving record, and access to a fully insured car. 

2. Drug testing.

3. Criminal history clearance.

4. Additional language proficiency preferred.

5. Strong computer skills.

For information on Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, including more information on our company culture, visit our website at https://www.pcacares.org/

All applicants will receive an acknowledgement that their application has been. Those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.