Community Services & Support Department (CSSD) Student Intern

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) is a private non-profit corporation, organized and designated by the State of Ohio to be the planning, coordinating and administrative agency for federal and state aging programs in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties.  It is one of 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state organized together with local service provider organizations and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) to form the state's public aging services network.  The network works together to create opportunities for older Ohioans to receive needed home and community services and supports; and to age successfully in their own homes and communities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Student Intern will assist the care manager (CM)/waiver service coordinator (WSC) in job responsibilities per the requirements of the WRAAA and specific program.
• Student Intern will meet specific learning objectives developed by college program.
• Manage a small caseload as needed.
• Conducts phone call and in-person contacts with clients in accordance with program specifications to monitor the delivery of all services in the client’s service plan as needed.
• Respond to urgent/emergent needs for a case management/waiver service coordinator visit if the assigned CM/WSC is not available.
• Authorizes changes in amount, scope, and duration of waiver services.
• Evaluate care management/waiver service coordinator data to determine ongoing program eligibility, care needs, and service options. 
• Monitor and evaluate the individualized care plan, service quality and program eligibility. 
• Provide education and support to CM/WSC, members, and their caregivers. 
• Advocate on behalf of consumer and/or caregiver/family and assist individuals in securing appropriate services and care settings in collaboration with providers of service(s). 
• Supports the AAA mission, vision and strategic plan, goals and management decisions.

• Utilize clinical judgment and perform clinical practice based upon education and applicable professional standards and work in conjunction with other team leaders.
• Abide by the professional code of ethics established by licensure. As required by Ohio Law report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults as a mandated reporter. 
• Meet time frames for timely and accurate completion of documentation and maintain member’s confidentiality according to agency policy. 
• All staff have the responsibility and authority to propose ways to improve quality and to fully participate in quality improvement efforts. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor as needed to meet agency goals.

Qualifications:

• Social Work Designee student or student working towards their BA at an affiliated college/university. 
• WRAAA and Intern will focus on learning objectives requirements of their field practicum. 
• Student intern is a non-paid position and not guaranteed a paid position after the conclusion of internship.
• Internship is limited to a period of beneficial learning. 
• Communication is essential to the success of the internship and WRAAA experience. 
• Excellent verbal/written interviewing skills. 
• Ability to effectively communicate with the disabled and elderly populations and general public, both in person and by phone. 
• Ability to communicate in a collaborative, effective manner with others and to maintain good working relationships. 
• Ability to comprehend written material related to essential job functions.  
• Knowledge of local resources for older adults and persons with disabilities.  Knowledge of basic medical terminology. (Both requirements will be introduced while performing in their internship role). 
• Ability to comprehend, recall, and apply facts related to essential job functions. Analyze, evaluate, and implement a reasonable course of action based on available information. 
• Ability to detect specific odors related to the assessment of a client’s health/hygiene and the safety of the client’s environment.  (Requirement would be introduced as part of their learning in their internship role). 
• Ability to travel in a multi-county service area and access private homes and facilities which may not be readily accessible. Must have a car available during working hours, as well as the ability to legally drive a car. 
• Must have basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications while maintaining minimum proficiency in all requisite computer applications and software. 
• Ability to use and transport a laptop computer with case, therefore must be able to lift/carry a minimum of 20 pounds.