ADRC Dementia Care Specialist

An exciting position has opened up in Dementia Care at Sowega Council on Aging! Do you have education and experience serving those with dementia and their families? Can you communicate efficiently and work independently while building a program from scratch? This may be just the place for you!

*Reminder: All questions and assessment must be completed to be considered for this position.

Position Summary:

Under the broad supervision of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Director and under the direct supervision of the ADRC Program Manager, the Dementia Care Specialist serves as the subject matter expert regarding dementia in the planning & service area (PSA). The Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) will drive the effort to make the aging network more dementia-capable by supporting the local network of dementia partners and stakeholders as a community catalyst, educator, and collaborator. The DCS will identify gaps in services and drive innovation so that constituents can access memory screenings, and people living with dementia and their care partners can access long-term services and support (LTSS) options including those provided through the Older Americans Act.

Essential Functions:

• Assemble dementia care providers to ensure a robust service delivery and to identify gaps and barriers to service within the PSA
• Serve as subject matter expert within the AAA across all programs and services, engaging colleagues, providers, and partners by:
• Providing education for Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) counselors and broader aging network
• Serve on ADRC Advisory Council for the PSA, reporting to this group
• Providing training for those in the aging network on the approved memory screening tool utilizing a train-the-trainer model
• In collaboration with AAA leadership, build partnerships and develop referral relationships with other organizations including healthcare providers (physicians, dementia diagnostic clinics, and other healthcare providers), service providers, dementia organizations, and community stakeholders to identify existing resource gaps
• Provide outreach and awareness to professionals, employers, organizations, and the general community about available dementia services
• Partner with existing volunteer organizations and programs to expand the reach of dementia awareness and education in the region
• Participate in DCS statewide meetings and person-centered dementia training curriculum
• Maintain current knowledge of dementia, research findings, new evidence-based interventions, and other innovations for people living with dementia and their care partners
• Consult with Division of Aging Services (DAS) Dementia Care Team Lead for support, technical assistance, and guidance
• Serves as an active team member for other program initiatives throughout the Agency
• Ensure program data is monitored, collected, and reported; contribute to DCS program evaluation; work with the Program Integrity Section of DAS to ensure accurate and timely reporting; provide feedback on program performance and impact to DAS
• Provide brain health information and offer memory screening opportunities; provide person-centered support to interpret and understand results to assure opportunities for follow-up with a primary care provider
• Offer dementia care consultations for individuals living with dementia and/or their care partners
• Provide community and family education as requested and appropriate to increase the awareness of dementia and available services
• Ensure a seamless referral process/workflow from Georgia Memory Network Memory Assessment Clinics to the AAA, process all cases
• Oversee and deliver the Dealing with Dementia evidence-based program
• Cross train to assist the ADRC with assessments, intake, and referrals as necessary
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum required education and experience:

• At least one year of full-time paid experience or internship working directly with multiple people with dementia and family or informal care partners (for example, providing direct care, case management, support group facilitation, residential care management, home care)

AND

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in health or human services, social work, gerontology, sociology, psychology, or related field, OR
• Associate’s degree in human services or health related field AND a minimum of two years’ experience in working directly with aging or disability populations.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• Specialized knowledge of older persons, the aging process, long-term care issues, dementia, dementia care and support, family and informal care partner needs, and person-centered care
• Skills and experience in facilitating small group learning and discussion programs
• Experience with family care partners of people with dementia and family dynamics
• Experience in developing collaborative relationships, preferably with community organizations and health care professionals
• Competence in public speaking and engaging community members and professionals
• Ability to provide culturally competent person-centered services and supports
• Ability to function independently and be resourceful in the roles undertaken
• Ability to adjust work hours to meet with program participants and to provide community outreach and educational programs
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; TEAMS, Zoom, etc. ability to record and report program data and information in complex data base systems
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel for community events

Core Competencies

• Strong active listening and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while effectively and accurately managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently with limited direction
• Ability to organize, plan, and report status and progress
• Excellent oral, written, presentation, and communication skills

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000