What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Service Specialist position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
Description
The Office of Dementia Services (ODS), part of the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), oversees statewide programs and services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. ODS plays a key role in shaping policy, providing essential information, and delivering resources to enhance the lives of those impacted by dementia across Kentucky. The Office’s mission is to create and manage initiatives that support individuals with dementia and their caregivers, while building community partnerships to develop an inclusive, statewide dementia infrastructure accessible to all Kentuckians.
Job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION: A master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have three years of professional social work experience.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree supplemented by five years of professional social work experience will substitute for the primary education and experience requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Performs job duties in an office/facility setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence.
The Office of Dementia Services (ODS), part of the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), oversees statewide programs and services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. ODS plays a key role in shaping policy, providing essential information, and delivering resources to enhance the lives of those impacted by dementia across Kentucky. The Office’s mission is to create and manage initiatives that support individuals with dementia and their caregivers, while building community partnerships to develop an inclusive, statewide dementia infrastructure accessible to all Kentuckians.
Job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead statewide efforts to improve dementia service accessibility and awareness, collaborating with partners for maximum impact.
- Offer expertise on dementia-related policies, supporting individuals and teams through regulatory interpretation and technical consultation.
- Analyze caregiver and cognitive impairment data to improve service delivery and develop policies supporting expanded services.
- Produce reports assessing program impact, ensuring continuous improvement and effectiveness of dementia services and caregiver support.
- Review and approve dementia training curricula for compliance with regulations, supporting providers through the licensure process.
- Coordinate communication between internal teams and external stakeholders, delivering presentations to promote ODS programs and initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Experience working in social services, healthcare, or aging services, with a focus on dementia or cognitive impairments.
- Strong understanding of dementia care and associated services, including knowledge of local and national regulations and policies.
- Proven ability to analyze and interpret data related to caregiving and cognitive impairments to inform program development and policy.
- Experience in program management and development, including the ability to design, implement, and evaluate strategic initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills, including experience in public speaking, presenting, and writing technical reports and policy briefs.
- Strong collaboration skills with internal teams, external agencies, and community organizations to achieve common goals.
- Familiarity with caregiver training programs and educational curriculum, including regulatory compliance and approval processes.
- Knowledge of aging services infrastructure in Kentucky, including local Area Agencies on Aging, healthcare systems, and advocacy organizations.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis software; familiarity with database management is a plus.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION: A master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have three years of professional social work experience.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: A bachelor's degree supplemented by five years of professional social work experience will substitute for the primary education and experience requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Performs job duties in an office/facility setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence.
Salary : $68,527 - $72,516
