Care Navigator (Dementia Specialist)

Oakwood Creative Care•Chandler, AZ

13d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
Participate in a rotating 24/7 hotline schedule
Provide calm, informed, and compassionate response to caregiver concerns
Maintain timely and accurate documentation
Track family goals, service utilization, and outcomes
Contribute to grant reporting and quality improvement efforts