Elder Advocate

Closing Date: March 19, 2025

SUMMARY:

The Elders Advocate (EA) assists community elders by educating and connecting them to resources and services that are available. The EA would also assist elders in applying for those benefits and services and to navigate through any and all resources. Job duties include researching health care and social services resources, helping clients review bills or insurance claims, and offering support with doctor/hospital visits. The EA will also assist the Elders with routine and daily tasks as needed. Additionally, the EA will facilitate participation in educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs for the elderly population.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

• Provide general assistance and advocacy related to supportive/social services to Prairie Island Indian Community Elders; provide up-to-date information and clarification regarding programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and other supportive programs. The EA will also educate residents on services and resources available to them.
• Develop and maintain connections with resources and support services to remain up to date regarding information and services available to meet the needs of the elderly population.
• Refer and connect Elders to supportive services. Such services may include, but are not limited to, case management, personal assistance, transportation, therapeutic/counseling services, preventive health and wellness advocacy.
• As needed, act as liaison with local care providers, doctors and hospitals, and PIIC service departments to ensure the Elder is receiving appropriate attention/care.
• Work cooperatively and communicate regularly with the Elder's family members.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion when handling client information.
• Promote a positive social climate that fosters the Elder's psychosocial well-being by developing, implementing, and monitoring educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs for the Elder’s participation.
• Document the services and care provided to the Elder.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Associate’s degree in human services related field
• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in related field is required
• Demonstrated commitment to creating opportunities for the well-being of members of the Dakota communities that align with and sustain Dakota language and culture
• Experience interviewing and gathering data and information
• Commitment to a healthy way of life
• The ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends
• Ability to pass a health examination
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality for all participants and their families
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well within the existing team and government structure
• Sensitive to Native American Culture
• Must pass drug screen (UA) and a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, gerontology, counseling or related field
• Experience in health and human services program

*PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking 

REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Harassment training
• Any position-related training as determined by department manager

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship

The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community. 

Salary : $22