Aging Care Manager III; Adult Protective Services - Berks Area Agency Aging

Aging Assessor III (Protective Services)

The Starting Rate for this position is $33.25 per hour

35 hours per week

This position is an advanced care manager position. It requires knowledge of legal issues, client rights, knowledge of social service theory, medical diagnoses, and mental health. Requires the ability to review and work with subcontractors, the medical, legal, and financial professions, and to incorporate all community organizations that may impact a client's situation. This position may have responsibility for the performance of protective services and/or intensive care management case load in homes and facilities throughout the County.

Employees may be required to provide specialized casework services to clients who are at imminent risk. Employees are expected to be familiar with the protective services legislation rules, regulations, and operating procedures involved in the protective services program. This work requires that the employee document all actions and pay close attention to detail without receiving close supervision. An employee in this class is expected to appropriately maintain a caseload of vulnerable clients who may need protection from abuse, exploitation, abandonment, or self-neglect.

Coordination of medical, social, psychological, or functional evaluations of the client's condition may be part of the employee's responsibilities. Legal and statutory time frames have been established for certain aspects of this work, which provide the employee with little or no flexibility. Employees are expected to have enough knowledge of community resources to be able to include them as a factor in assessing the client's circumstances.

Work in this class is distinguished from work in the Aging Assessor II class by a heavier responsibility for the consequences of error. Employee errors in judgment may place clients in dangerous or life-threatening situations. Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures. Employees are expected to exercise independent judgment in achieving objectives. Work is reviewed by a supervisor through conferences, reports, and the resolution of difficult situations.

To maintain high-quality care management services, identify and meet the varied needs of Berks County Area Agency on Aging consumers. The assessor maintains the highest level of professional ethics, continually seeking opportunities for growth and development.

Essential Functions

• Conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances of clients who need protection from abuse, exploitation, abandonment, or self-neglect.
• Interface & testify in the court system.
• Recommend case for court intervention, including guardian ships or mental health evaluation with possible commitment.
• May provide intensive care management to consumers.
• Advocate on behalf of older adults with mental health issues.
• Conduct protective service investigations within required time frames and adhere to confidentiality regulations.
• The effective management of a complex case mix and/or increased caseload.
• Assigned as a mentor to a new care manager or a care manager trainee. May assist with students or assist with special projects and serve as a senior member of a team.
• Assist in the development and coordination of protective services training for appropriate staff, community agencies, police, and the general public.
• Participate in community committees.
• Perform all care management functions. Validate the assessment of the consumer's needs in the environment. Reassess the consumer's status and review the care plan at regularly scheduled intervals.
• Work with consumer, family, or caregiver to develop a care plan, making use of supervision and consultation…