ADRC Specialist

General Summary

This position is responsible for providing the general public, but particularly older adults and adults living with some form or type of physical, developmental, intellectual disability, mental health and/or substance abuse disorder, with information, referral support and assistance on a wide range of community resources; informing and educating people about their options; and assisting in connecting them to programs and services, including public and privately funded options. The ADRC Specialist also provides intake, functional eligibility determination, enrollment into and disenrollment from the State of Wisconsin’s publicly funded long term care programs. Regular attendance and punctuality along with being prepared to commence work at designated work locations, on the assigned or scheduled days and hours is expected. This position is responsible for providing truthful and accurate written and verbal communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

1. Provides consumer driven information and assistance on a wide variety of topics that is accurate, objective and relevant to the individual’s expressed need and presented in language and formats that are easy for consumers to understand.
2. Gathers sufficient information to accurately identify and clarify inquirer’s issues and needs.
3. Provides information about public and/or private programs, services and benefits capable of meeting the consumer’s need and actively assists the consumer in accessing resources or making referrals.
4. Offers follow-up to determine outcomes and whether additional information or assistance is needed, consistent with the Aging and Disability Resource Center’s (ADRC) Follow-Up Policy.
5. Advocates on behalf of individual consumers when there are issues with access to services.
6. Responds to initial inquiries and requests for information and assistance within 24 hours or by the end of the next business day and schedule appointments within 10 business days following consumer’s request.
7. Provides options counseling to consumers, their families and caregivers about the options available to meet long-term care needs and factors to consider in making long-term care decisions.
8. Delivers preadmission consultation and assistance with relocations for individuals who have been referred to the ADRC by a nursing home or assisted living facility (CBRF, AFH and RCAC).
9. Offers short-term service coordination for a period not to exceed 90 days.
10. Administers Long-Term Care Functional Screen to determine an individual’s functional eligibility for managed long-term care and IRIS.
11. Assists consumers with the Medicaid application process by providing an overview of the financial eligibility requirements, information about the application process, gathering information to support the application and working alongside the Economic Support Unit and the income maintenance consortium.
12. Provides information and counseling to assist consumers in the process of enrollment and disenrollment from managed care or IRIS.

General Job Functions

1. Represents the ADRC of Door County to the community at large through professional interaction, public speaking, media presentations, and participation in community advisory groups as requested.
2. Adheres to the AIRS national standards; also secures AIRS certification within the first two years of employment.
3. Completes all mandatory training and post-tests (i.e., ADRC Orientation Module and Options Counseling in LMS), maintaining current knowledge to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
4. Performs home visits.

Requirements

Required Training and Experience

1. Graduate of an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a health or human services related field or Registered Nursing degree.
2. Must have at least one year of experience working with individuals, such as older adults (aged 60 years and older) and/or individuals living with developmental/intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health or substance abuse disorders, who constitute one of the target populations of the Aging and Disability Resource Center.
3. Must become memory screen certified within 2 years of hire.
4. Must obtain the on-line State Functional Screen Training Course within 30 days of hire.
5. Must obtain the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS) certification test for Information and Referral Specialists within 2 years of hire.
6. Valid driver’s license and unlimited access to reliable transportation required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

1. Knowledge of standards and principles of Information and Assistance including a willingness to become certified as an I & A Specialist through AIRS, Long Term Care Functional Screener and Options Counselor.
2. Knowledge of community resources and referral procedures.
3. Knowledge of assessment and care coordination techniques.
4. Knowledge of options counseling process and procedure.
5. Knowledge of planning, organizing, and problem-solving strategies.
6. Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate, both verbally and in writing.
7. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
8. Ability to proficiently use a computer and related office equipment; demonstrating familiarity with required software and database programs as they relate to the essential functions of this position.
9. Ability to be decisive and make sound decisions under pressure, in a crisis or emergency situations.
10. Ability to participate in a work setting as a team player.
11. Ability to prepare and to maintain a variety of documents, including client service plans and recommendations, program evaluations, client assessments, treatment plans and therapy notes.
12. Ability to share technical material in a manner easily comprehended by the population being served.
13. Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents.
14. Ability to use tact and courtesy in maintaining an effective working relationship with department employees, county supervisors, county officials, and general public.

Physical & Working Conditions

Nearly 100% of time work is performed in a normal office setting with little or no discomfort from temperature, dust or noise. Interacting with other employees, general public, whether walking in or on the telephone may be encountered.

Over 75% of work is performed stationary at a desk, working on a computer keyboard and/or telephone with about 10% of work performed moving about the facility. Over 75% of the work is performed by talking, hearing, and using both far and near vision. Occasional moving of office supplies and equipment is required up to 10 lbs.

Potential for physical harm exists during contacts with angry or irate members of the public. Occasionally necessary to defuse situation with disgruntled clients. Limited office space may cause some distraction.

This position will have frequent contact with members of the public in their homes and at various locations in the community. Adverse living conditions with many hazards may be encountered during home visits.

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.