CARES ASSESSOR - 65000470

State of Florida • Miami Beach, FL

6d • $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 an onsite position requiring the employee to report to the Department of Elder Affairs office serving the assigned area. Attendance is an essential function. The position requires travel within the assigned planning and service area using the employee’s private motor vehicle; overnight travel may be required. The employee must hold a valid Florida driver’s license and comply with applicable driving and insurance requirements while conducting State business.

The employee participates in interdisciplinary Level of Care determinations and monitoring, maintains accurate client medical and casework information, and enters assessment data into the Client Information & Registration Tracking System (CIRTS). The role also includes ensuring the required Preadmission Screening and Resident Review process is completed before issuing a Level of Care in specified cases, supporting special projects and disaster recovery efforts, and reporting to Special Needs Shelters to assist with discharge planning during emergencies.

The role requires knowledge of CARES policies and applicable State and Federal rules, effective communication and documentation skills, accurate data entry, and the ability to work with elders and adults with disabilities. A Level 2 Criminal History Background Check is required for selected applicants. Salary is listed as $3,540.61–$3,894.67 monthly and $42,487.32–$46,736.04 annually.

Requirements

• At least four 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 at least four years.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability to travel; overnight travel may be required.
• Knowledge of Level of Care rules and regulations, CARES policies and procedures, the aging process, effects of chronic illness, interviewing techniques, and community resources relevant to elders and adults with disabilities.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze client information and work with clients with varied physical and emotional problems.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and meet regulatory eligibility and timeliness requirements.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; ability to prepare clear, accurate records, reports, and memorandums.
• Detail orientation and accurate data-entry skills; ability to navigate multiple computer screens and applications.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
• Ability to maintain professional, courteous, and cooperative working relationships with the public and staff; follow directions; and read, understand, and apply detailed regulations, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Ability to communicate to obtain and verify eligibility information and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to work in a large, open office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry a laptop and associated documents weighing up to ten pounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Successful completion of a Level 2 Criminal History Background Check is required for selected applicants.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct comprehensive assessments for applicants seeking nursing facility placement or home and community-based services; evaluate Level of Care and recommend appropriate placement.
• Participate in interdisciplinary staffing and team decisions regarding Level of Care, including Title XIX determinations with physicians and other specialized professionals.
• Maintain accurate, current client medical information and document casework activities; 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 process is completed before issuing a Level of Care when requests involve a state mental hospital, psychiatric hospital, or psychiatric hospital unit.
• Monitor placement decisions through annual recertification and communicate with the long-term care network and relevant providers about Level of Care, program, and placement recommendations.
• Maintain and improve professional CARES knowledge and skills through courses, seminars, workshops, and review of policies and procedures.
• Participate in pilot and special projects to improve assessment and service delivery.
• Participate in statewide disaster recovery efforts and assist with discharge planning at Special Needs Shelters during emergencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Travel within the assigned planning and service area using a private motor vehicle and comply with applicable driving and insurance requirements.

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
• 10 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