Care Navigator (Dementia Specialist)

About Oakwood Creative Care

Oakwood Creative Care (OCC) is a nonprofit organization specializing in dementia care and support for older adults and the people who love them. Through expert care navigation, education, and joyful community engagement, OCC helps families navigate cognitive change with clarity, dignity, and connection. Dementia is at the heart of our work. We are seeking a skilled professional who understands the complexity of cognitive decline, caregiver stress, behavioral changes, and the fragmented systems families must navigate.

Position Overview

The Care Navigator (Dementia Specialist) is a highly relational, clinically informed role supporting families impacted by dementia and other cognitive conditions.

This is not a general programming or activity-based position. We are seeking a professional with a strong social work or clinical background who can:

• Assess family needs and risk factors


• Support caregivers through crisis and progression


• Provide dementia-informed education and behavioral guidance


• Navigate healthcare, long-term care, and community systems


• Develop sustainable care plans grounded in best practices

The Care Navigator serves as a trusted, steady partner during some of the most vulnerable seasons of a family’s life.

Core Responsibilities

Dementia-Focused Care Navigation

• Conduct comprehensive intake and psychosocial assessments


• Support families in understanding diagnoses, disease progression, and behavioral changes


• Provide coaching on communication strategies, safety planning, and caregiver resilience


• Assist with care transitions (hospital to home, memory care placement, hospice, etc.)


• Connect families to appropriate medical, financial, legal, and community resources


• Offer crisis support and problem-solving during periods of escalation

Caregiver Support & Education

• Facilitate caregiver support groups and educational workshops


• Provide ongoing one-on-one caregiver coaching


• Deliver evidence-informed dementia education


• Normalize caregiver stress and promote sustainable care planning

Systems Navigation & Resource Expertise

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Long-term care options
  
  
  • ALTCS/Medicaid processes
  
  
  • Memory care and adult day programs
  
  
  • Home health and hospice services
  
  
  • Legal and financial planning resources
  
  
  
  


• Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, discharge planners, and community partners


• Serve as a knowledgeable guide within a complex aging-services ecosystem

On-Call Support

• Participate in a rotating 24/7 hotline schedule


• Provide calm, informed, and compassionate response to caregiver concerns

Documentation & Outcomes

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation


• Track family goals, service utilization, and outcomes


• Contribute to grant reporting and quality improvement efforts

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or higher preferred


• 3+ years of direct experience working with older adults and caregivers


• Demonstrated experience supporting individuals living with dementia


• Strong knowledge of aging systems, long-term care, and community resources


• Experience conducting assessments and developing care plans


• Comfort supporting families through behavioral challenges and care transitions

Strongly Preferred

• Licensed Social Worker (LMSW, LCSW) or license-eligible


• Dementia-specific training 


• Case management or care coordination background


• Experience in adult day health, memory care, hospice, or hospital discharge planning


• Group facilitation experience