Job Description
Function:
Reporting to the Community Supports Supervisor, the Dementia Outreach Specialist (DOS) role is responsible for implementing the State of Indiana's Dementia Care Specialist Program (DCSP) for CoAction. Towards improving Indiana's dementia-related population health outcomes, the DOS supports Indiana's transformation into a dementia capable state equipped with dementia capable care and services for all Hoosiers. Careful attention shall be focused on strategies to decrease health disparities concerning dementia in Indiana. The DCSP will improve the quality of life, care, and services for persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their care givers by: 1. Evolving Indiana's Aging Network to a dementia capable system including through training of CoAction staff who interact with PLWD and their care givers. 2. Increasing public and community awareness of dementia, and clinical and community resources available to support PLWD and their care givers, including early screening opportunities. 3. Relationship-building, educating and facilitating collaboration with other community-based organizations and healthcare providers to increase referrals to clinical, care coordination and community resources in support of PLWD and their care givers. Major Duties:
Maintains participant and family confidentiality Maintains protected health information in accordance with HIPAA privacy guidelines and regulations Able to work independently and prioritize tasks Capable of handling multiple tasks concurrently Demonstrates computer skills required including Microsoft word, excel, outlook and knowledge of electronic record systems Exhibits professionalism in both written and verbal communication High level of accuracy and attention to detail Works effectively with a wide variety of participants and participants families Demonstrates positive beliefs and feelings regarding older adults Serve as a subject matter expert in dementia and the dementia service network. Obtain certification in an evidence-based dementia certification curriculum as approved by the DCSP. Conduct an internal CoAction dementia staff education assessment. Provide support, education, and training on dementia consistent with DCSP guidelines to CoAction staff based on the assessment's outcomes and collect pre and posttests and evaluation forms. Develop relationships to establish clinical coordination, care coordination and community supports referral protocols among health care providers including hospitals and physician groups, emergency and first responders, dementia diagnostic clinics, service providers, dementia organizations and other community stakeholders. Provide support, education and training on dementia to the general public and staff of other community-based organizations and health care providers consistent with DCSP guidelines and collect pre and posttests and evaluation forms. Conduct a community assessment resulting in documentation of dementia services, resources and gaps in CoAction PSA. Provide culturally competent public outreach and awareness about CoAction and available dementia services. Serve as the agency representative at community activities, health fairs, public meetings or other similar functions. Be able to speak comfortably at these events. Maintain current knowledge of dementia, research findings, new evidence-based interventions, and other innovations for people living with dementia and their care givers and the dementia service system at large. Complete time reporting, collect and report program data, and contribute to DCSP evaluation. MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma/GED required. Associate's Degree, two years of related experience, and/or Community Health Worker Certification preferred. Expertise and Knowledge regarding dementia, dementia care and support, family and informal caregiver needs and challenging behaviors. Previous Training and experience in dementia screening, dementia care, dementia caregiver education and support, dementia practitioner education and training and/or community dementia awareness programming is preferred. Experience working with older adults in healthcare or community settings and/or long-term services preferred. Prior experience in a healthcare environment preferred. Valid Driver's License that meets the agency's driving policy requirements. REQUIRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
(specific physical, physiological or psychological attributes) Required Personal Characteristics:
Correctable normal range of vision Correctable normal range of hearing Ability to manage self in stressful situations and contact interruptions Ability to manage self in situations with difficult people Strong management, communication, planning and organization skills Ability to function independently and be resourceful in the roles undertaken Ability to provide culturally competent customer services Competent in public speaking and engaging professionals and community members Experience in developing collaborative relationships, preferably with healthcare professionals and community organizations. Physical Requirements:
Physically able to bend, stoop, climb and reach Able to tolerate continuous sitting for up to 4 hours Able to tolerate continuous standing for up to 4 hours Ability to lift 20 pounds Working Hours:
Standard hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ability to work evening and/or weekend hours as needed for outreach and educational programs. Travel Requirements:
Ability to travel by car or plane Possession of a valid driver's license and insured automobile Travel within Jasper, Lake, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke Counties to client's homes, other Organization's and community meetings Travel to required training, conference locations ORGANIZATION
Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency for Northwest Indiana, founded in 1965, CoAction's mission is to ensure people experiencing financial hardship find opportunities, resources, and respect. Serving residents in Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, LaPorte, Pulaski, and Starke Counties.
