ADRC Dementia Care Specialist I/II

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position provides information, linkage to resources, and assistance with access to services for persons with Dementia and their caregivers.  This position is also responsible to provide education and awareness to the community on Dementia. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Provides person-centered services to individuals diagnosed with or seeking assistance related to cognitive concerns, including conducting cognitive screenings, providing follow-up after diagnosis, connecting individuals to appropriate resources and services, coordinating short-term support, developing care plans and crisis prevention plans, and assisting with legal, financial, and engagement planning.  


• Provides person-centered support, education, and resources to caregivers of individuals with dementia, including dementia education, communication strategies, safety planning, behavioral symptom support, care planning, and referrals to support groups, respite services, memory cafes, research opportunities, and other community resources.  


• Maintains accurate program documentation and enters required data into State of Wisconsin reporting systems; prepares required reports and program documentation. 


• Develops, implements, and evaluates programs for those living with dementia to keep them engaged in the community.  Trains and coordinates volunteers to help with these initiatives including guidance to expand the reach of the goals of the Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) program


• Develops and delivers educational presentations, training, and outreach activities for professionals, employers, civic groups, faith groups, caregivers, and community members regarding dementia, caregiving strategies, communication approaches, available resources, and ADRC services.  


• Collaborates with community partners, coalitions, healthcare providers, emergency responders, law enforcement, adult protective services, and other organizations to develop dementia-friendly communities, improve community responses, expand awareness of dementia services, and provide consultation on complex cases, including participation in related home visits, coalitions, and task forces.  


• Participate in statewide and regional Dementia Care Specialist meetings, trainings, and professional development activities; collaborates with other specialists on program development, service delivery, and evaluation.  


• Maintains professional knowledge of dementia research, evidence-based practices, and emerging interventions to support effective service delivery. 


• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES   
This section details the essential competencies required to perform the job effectively, including a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes. 

• Knowledge of health care financing, income maintenance programs, protective services, probate processes, community resources, public services, agency programs, and social service supports available to older adults, individuals with dementia, and caregivers.


• Knowledge of interviewing, supportive counseling, family meeting facilitation, and caregiver support techniques.  


• Ability to facilitate educational programs, group discussions, and caregiver learning opportunities. 


• Expertise and knowledge regarding aging, dementia care practices, caregiver needs, family support systems, and strategies for responding to challenging behaviors.  


• Ability to communicate complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing, with community members, caregivers, professionals, partner organizations, and the general public through education, presentations, and outreach activities. 


• Ability to apply ethical judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding client records, reports, and conversations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies. 


• General knowledge of social work principles, case management practices, and supportive service techniques.


• Knowledge of human development, aging, behavior, family dynamics, and social impacts of dementia.


• Ability to coordinate, support, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners. 


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, families, caregivers, coworkers, community organizations, healthcare professionals, and the general public. 


• Understanding of County and Department programs, policies, procedures, and service delivery practices. 


• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and manage multiple responsibilities. 


• Technical proficiency in the use of relevant software applications, databases, standard office equipment, and technology tools necessary to document services, maintain records, and report program information.  


• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, including preparation and maintenance of reports, records, documentation, and program information.  


• Ability to adapt work schedules to meet participant needs and support community outreach, education, and engagement activities. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS   
This section outlines the communication abilities necessary for effective performance.  These skills reflect the need to interact with the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders in a clear, professional, and effective manner. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.


• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.


• Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.


• Ability to explain complex or technical information in a clear, understandable manner.


• Ability to listen actively and accurately understand verbal instructions or concerns.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and accurately record and interpret numerical information related to program data, reports, assessments, and service documentation. 

REASONING ABILITY 
This section outlines the cognitive skills required to perform the job effectively.  This includes the ability to apply logic, make decisions, solve problems, and understand complex information.  

• Ability to interpret and apply County, State, and federal policies, procedures, regulations, and program requirements when providing services and recommendations. 


• Ability to analyze complex client situations involving older adults, families, caregivers, and legal systems and determine appropriate recommendations or next steps. 


• Ability to think conceptually and understand the relationships between ideas that are not immediately obvious.


• Ability to identify and define problems, collect and evaluate information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 


• Ability to make sound, well-informed, and timely decisions when supporting individuals with dementia, caregivers, and families experience complex situations. 

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Work may involve the occasional exertion of up to 40 pounds of force; work regularly involves sitting, frequently involves standing and performing fine motor skills and repetitive motions and occasionally involves walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching above should level or below the waist.


• Visual ability to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, using computer screens, or working with detailed data. 


• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively with others, with or without reasonable accommodation.    

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work is primarily in an office setting.


• Ability to work the scheduled hours of the position, including the ability to travel for community events and make home visits.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

ADRC Dementia Care Specialist I 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or health related field.


• One (1) year of experience in a professional position working directly with people with dementia and family/informal caregivers.


• Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of a caregiver and criminal background check.

ADRC Dementia Care Specialist II 

• Must meet all of the education and experience requirements of an ADRC Dementia Care Specialist I.


• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as an ADRC Dementia Care Specialist I with St. Croix County or a similarly related role within another organization that performed ADRC duties. Experience must indicate mastery of professional knowledge about related services, programs, and resources and ability to meet program requirements and enhance the programs and services provided.