CARES ASSESSOR - 65000360

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a highly responsible position that provides comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home and community-based services, evaluates the Level of Care, and recommends the most appropriate placement. The Department of Elder Affairs is dedicated to promoting the well-being, safety, and independence of Florida's seniors, their families, and caregivers. Its vision is for all Floridians to live well and age well.

Requirements

• Four (4) or more years of professional experience in the field of community and social services; or A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in the field of community and social services; or A combination of education and professional experience in the field of community and social services work totaling four (4) or more years.
• Travel is required.
• Operates own private motor vehicle for routine travel within the assigned planning and service area.
• All applicable State and local driving laws and insurance regulations must be strictly adhered to in the operation of the private vehicle while performing State business.
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Overnight travel may be required.
• Knowledge of Level of Care rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of CARES policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the aging process and the effects of chronic illness.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources, as they relate to elders and adults with disabilities.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze client information.
• Ability to work with clients with a variety of physical and emotional problems.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills, and uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Be detail oriented and able to enter data accurately into a computerized system.
• Navigate multiple computer screens and applications.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Windows Operating environments and Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and other documentation in a logical format.
• Ability to demonstrate a professional and courteous demeanor to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply complicated and detailed regulations, policies, procedures, and programs governing the agency.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to type and prepare reports and memorandums accurately and timely.
• Plan and organize to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
• Ability to work in a large, open office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry a laptop and associated documents (up to ten pounds).
• Maintains confidentiality as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and conducts comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home and community-based services.
• Evaluates the Level of Care and recommends the most appropriate placement; participates as a member of an interdisciplinary staffing team for Level of Care determination.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date medical information on clients through regular documentation of activities.
• Ensures timely and accurate data collection, reporting, and follow-up with individuals in accordance with established CARES policies, procedures, and regulations as directed in the CARES Handbook.
• Inputs assessment data into Client Information & Registration Tracking System (CIRTS).
• Maintains updated data in CIRTS on cases assigned in accordance with established CARES policies, procedures, and regulations as directed in the CARES Handbook.
• Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team in making Title XIX Level of Care decisions (inclusive of physicians and other specialized professionals), maintains accurate and up-to-date medical information on clients through regular documentation of casework activities, ensuring timely and accurate data collection and reporting.
• Ensures that the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process is completed before a Level of Care is issued when a request is received from a state mental hospital, a psychiatric hospital, or a psychiatric hospital unit.
• Participates in monitoring of placement decisions on cases assigned through an annual recertification process; communicates with the long-term care network and relevant providers to ensure the appropriate Level of Care, program recommendation, and placement recommendation.
• Maintains a high level of professional CARES knowledge, including an understanding of State and Federal rules and laws governing the activities performed by CARES.
• Improves/enhances professional knowledge, skills, and abilities through education courses, seminars, workshops, review of policies and procedures, etc.
• Participates in pilot/special projects, which involves collaborative efforts to improve assessment and delivery of services.
• Participates in disaster recovery efforts throughout the State of Florida.
• Reports to Special Needs Shelters to assist with discharge planning during a hurricane-related or other type of emergency situation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position.

Benefits

• State Group Health Insurance Coverage
• $25,000 Life Insurance Policy (100% paid by employer)
• Dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options available
• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• 10 paid holidays each year
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers to attend State of Florida community colleges, colleges, and universities!

What This Job Offers

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