CARES ASSESSOR - 65000208

State of Florida • Largo, FL

4d • $42,487 - $46,736 • Onsite

About The Position

The CARES Assessor provides comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home- and community-based services, evaluates Level of Care, and recommends appropriate placement. This is not a teleworking position; the incumbent must report to the Department of Elder Affairs office in the area served. The role requires routine travel within the assigned planning and service area using the employee’s own private vehicle, and overnight travel may be required. The employee must have a valid Florida driver’s license and follow applicable driving and insurance regulations when conducting State business.

The position works with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians and other specialized professionals, to make Level of Care determinations and maintain accurate client records. The assessor supports annual recertification and monitoring of placement decisions, completes required PASRR steps when applicable, and participates in projects to improve assessment and service delivery. Disaster-response duties include reporting to Special Needs Shelters to assist with discharge planning during emergencies. Attendance is an essential function. A Level 2 Criminal History Background Check is required.

Requirements

• Four or more years of professional experience in community and social services; or a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in community and social services; or a combination of education and professional experience in community and social services totaling four or more years.
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Travel within the assigned planning and service area using a personal vehicle; overnight travel may be required.
• Knowledge of Level of Care rules and regulations, CARES policies and procedures, the aging process and effects of chronic illness, interviewing techniques, and community resources relating to elders and adults with disabilities.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze client information and work with clients with a variety of physical and emotional problems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; ability to prepare clear, accurate records, reports, and memorandums.
• Ability to enter data accurately, navigate multiple computer screens and applications, and use Microsoft Windows and Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, courteous, and cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Ability to follow instructions and interpret and apply detailed regulations, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify eligibility information and analyze written, numerical, and verbal data from multiple sources.
• Ability to plan and organize work to meet regulatory eligibility and timeliness requirements.
• Ability to work in a large, open office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry a laptop and associated documents weighing up to ten pounds.
• Maintain confidentiality as required.
• Successful completion of a Level 2 Criminal History Background Check.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home- and community-based services; evaluate Level of Care and recommend appropriate placement.
• Participate in interdisciplinary staffing and teams making Level of Care and Title XIX Level of Care decisions.
• Maintain accurate and current medical information and casework documentation, and ensure timely data collection, reporting, and follow-up in accordance with CARES policies, procedures, regulations, and the CARES Handbook.
• Enter assessment data and maintain assigned case data in the Client Information & Registration Tracking System (CIRTS).
• Ensure the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process is completed before issuing a Level of Care when applicable requests are received from state mental hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, or psychiatric hospital units.
• Monitor assigned placement decisions through annual recertification and communicate with the long-term care network and providers to support appropriate Level of Care, program, and placement recommendations.
• Maintain and improve professional knowledge of CARES, including applicable State and Federal rules and laws, through courses, seminars, workshops, and review of policies and procedures.
• Participate in pilot and special projects to improve assessment and service delivery.
• Participate in Florida disaster recovery efforts and assist with discharge planning at Special Needs Shelters during emergencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• State Group Health Insurance Coverage
• $25,000 life insurance policy, fully paid by the employer
• Dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Annual and sick leave
• Ten paid holidays each year
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers for State of Florida community colleges, colleges, and universities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level