Human Services Specialist

This is professional case management and advocacy work on behalf of older adults and individuals with disabilities, and their family members. Work involves extensive contact with the public, community organizations and agencies, and County and State personnel.

The Human Services Specialist conducts monitoring visits in the 4-16 bed community-based assisted living facilities to ensure that these providers operating in Anne Arundel County are in compliance with state regulations as they relate to assisted living. In addition, the Human Services Specialist conducts complaint investigations specifically related to the quality of resident care. The Human Services Specialist will also be required to conduct quarterly subsidy interviews as the program manages the county Senior Assisted Living Subsidy Program.

This position also facilitates in-service training on various topics related to assisted living and assists individuals and family members to locate appropriate placement in an assisted living facility based on their personal and financial needs and/or preferences. This position requires knowledge of community resources and familiarity with agencies available to meet the needs of the individual being served. The Human Services Specialist must have strong verbal and communication skills along with exceptional interpersonal skills as well as strong problem solving skills and an ability to handle conflict situations in a courteous, professional manner.

Serving on special work groups and projects as assigned is a requirement. Provide technical support to assisted living providers and staff. Ability to work well with a variety of people. Maintain a positive working relationship with assisted living providers, State agencies, and other county programs/departments to facilitate working effectively on problems. Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations. Provide information to individuals seeking assisted living placement.

Contribute toward monitoring reports, subsidy interviews, and other reporting criteria. Contribute toward public information efforts both in writing and orally. Contribute to a bi-monthly newsletter. Host training workshops and present on required and supplemental training material for the county assisted living providers and staff. Observe confidentiality standards, maintains files, collects and enters accurate statistical information on program activities using computerized systems.

Make recommendations to improve programs, procedures, and effectiveness of service delivery to the target population. Identify and report instances of possible abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Facilitate communication and resolve issues in dispute. All other duties as assigned by the Assisted Living Program Director.

• Considerable knowledge and understanding of Federal and State laws regarding one of the following: regulations and standards pertaining to the various types of long term care facilities;
  Medicare;
  Medical Assistance and related insurance programs.
• Considerable knowledge of the Older Americans Act, other laws, regulations and policies pertaining to specific senior programs.
• Considerable knowledge of human services systems, programs and benefits for older adults.
• Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in interviewing and counseling individuals and families.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting client information and making sound decisions.
• Ability to maintain accurate client records and statistical reports.
• Education:
  
  Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, nursing, psychology,
  or a related area
  .
• Experience:
  
  Two (2) or more years of experience working in human services program areas.

A valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

• Experience working with older adults or individuals with disabilities in an assisted living or group home facility setting.
• Preference given to those who have knowledge, skills, and abilities in quality assurance and quality improvement.
• Experience conducting required initial and annual in-service training as outlined in COMAR 10.07.14 Assisted Living Regulations.
• Possession of professional level report writing ability, to include grammar and written communication proficiency.
• Experience in conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of medical and behavioral health terminology.
• Working knowledge of Google Suite.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.