Dementia Resource Specialist

Cameron County•San Benito, TX

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Healthy Aging Program Director or designee, the Dementia Resource Specialist (DRS) will assist with continuity of care for clients with dementia and ensure their families and caregivers are connected to the appropriate community resources, ensuring on-going support and expertise through comprehensive assessments, planning, implementation and overall evaluation of individual and family needs related to dementia. The DRS will establish a dementia referral system working with the general community, healthcare systems, and community organizations in Cameron and Willacy counties to ensure appropriate resource connections are made for the client.

Requirements

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology/Sociology - OR - an Associates in Social Work and at least one year of full-time paid experience working directly with multiple people with dementia and family or informal caregivers (ie., providing direct care, caregiver support, support group facilitation, home care or residential care management). - OR - other qualified individuals with extensive and successful experience working in community programs serving clients with appropriate qualifications. Related work experience may be substituted for education. Every two years of experience directly related to the duties of the job can substitute for every one year of required education.
Expertise and knowledge regarding older adults, dementia care and support, family and informal caregiver needs, and challenging behaviors.
Skills and experience in facilitating small group learning and discussion events.
Demonstration of advanced knowledge of casework principles, dynamics of human behavior, and quality of life and care support interventions.
Experience in developing collaborative relationships, preferably with community organizations and healthcare professionals.
Knowledge of human relations and group dynamics.
Ability to accept responsibility and the utilization of sound judgment in making decisions.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other professional groups.
Ability to prepare statistical/administrative reports and makes recommendations for program changes to work cooperatively and effectively.
Ability to understand and subscribe to the philosophy and values of culturally relevant education empowerment and community integration.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of clients enrolled in the Dementia Resource Program and in the information and documents handled through program.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to coordinate all aspects of administration through the Healthy Aging Director or designee.
Ability to communicate effectively, using both oral and written methods of communications.
Ability to plan and prioritize assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish/English to include reading/writing/oral.
Skills in using Windows'2000, Excel and Power Point.
Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Must have reliable transportation.
Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays).
Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

Responsibilities

Assist with continuity of care for clients with dementia and ensure their families and caregivers are connected to the appropriate community resources, ensuring on-going support and expertise through comprehensive assessments, planning, implementation and overall evaluation of individual and family needs related to dementia.
Serve as a catalyst for developing and implementing strategies to create and sustain an effective dementia-referral and service system with physicians, dementia diagnostic clinics, and other health care providers.
Assist the Healthy Brain and Aging Program staff with the assessment of community needs including existing dementia related community resources and gaps in these existing resources.
Actively collaborate and develop referral protocols with local, regional, and statewide dementia organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association San Antonio - South Texas, Texas Department of State Health Services Alzheimer's Disease Program, Area Agencies on Aging, healthcare facilities and service organizations.
Coordinate with other community aging organizations such as Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, Adult Protective Services, etc. and be available for joint or independent home visits.
Provide educational outreach and awareness to professionals, employers, organizations, and the general community about ADRD topics and available dementia services.
Connect the general public and healthcare professionals with the DSHS Alzheimer's Disease website information including educational material, training modules, etc.
Maintain current knowledge of dementia, research findings, new evidence-based interventions, and other innovations for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Participate actively in dementia education meetings, training programs, workshops, etc. to enhance topic knowledge and professional skillset.
Assist in the cataloging and dissemination of dementia resource materials and products to clients, healthcare facilities and community organizations (faith-based, community centers, etc.).
Assist in the creation and dissemination of client surveys to evaluate the Healthy Brain and Aging Program services and system.
Coordinate educational conferences, trainings and workshops to increase the awareness of ADRD and available services in both Cameron and Willacy counties.
Coordinate and host dementia support groups in both Cameron and Willacy counties.
Assist in the collection of program data utilizing program evaluation tools towards the successful implementation of grant activities and completion of grant deliverables.
Other duties as assigned