Elder Advocate (Social Work)

Benjamin Rose•Cleveland, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Position Summary: Provides direct, person-led support to older adults experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation. Using the nationally recognized RISE Model, the Advocate partners with participants to address harm, inspire change, strengthen social connections, and support choice. Collaborates closely with Adult Protective Services (APS) and a range of community partners. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following description is a general representation of the key duties and responsibilities of the position. Participant Support & Engagement Accept and respond to referrals from APS. Build trusting, collaborative working relationships with older adults and, where appropriate, family members or other natural supports. Facilitate participant openness to change through motivational interviewing. Assist participants in identifying needs, strengths, and self-directed goals. Develop individualized service/action plans and safety plans that reflect participant priorities. Support decision-making, including with participants who may lack capacity, using structured tools and strategies. Coordinate teaming processes involving family, service providers, and other partners. Monitor and record participant progress toward self-identified goals. Advocacy & Service Linkage Refer and connect participants to appropriate services (e.g., aging network services, housing, domestic violence/sexual assault services, behavioral health, caregiver supports). Advocate with agencies and individuals to ensure participant access to benefits and services. Assist with applications for services and benefits as needed. Work collaboratively and maintain strong relationships with APS, community-based partners, healthcare providers, and legal services. Collaboration & Systems Engagement Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews. Attend relevant community meetings and represent the program as needed. Promote understanding of the RISE Model and person-led approaches in the community. Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records. Complete data collection and internal tracking in alignment with program and funder requirements. Communicate case status and updates with the supervisory team. Professional Development & Model Fidelity Attend required training in the RISE Model, Motivational Interviewing, Supported Decision Making, Teaming, and Restorative Justice. Apply model principles consistently to maintain fidelity. Participate in regular supervision and reflective practice. Maintain a growth mindset, including openness to repairing relationships and ongoing learning. Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, gerontology, public health, or a related field OR equivalent training and at least five years of relevant work experience.
Experience providing direct support or advocacy, preferably with older adults.
Understanding of trauma-informed care, person-led practices, and motivational interviewing.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Commitment to combating ageism and promoting participant dignity and autonomy.
Knowledge of the aging network, social services, and community resources.
Experience developing individualized service/action plans.
Comfort using technology for remote work, including video conferencing and online data collection.
Strong organizational skills, cultural humility, and professionalism.
Must have a current valid Ohio driver’s license and automobile insurance and access to personal transportation to drive personal vehicle to meetings and client visits when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with survivors of abuse, neglect, or exploitation preferred

Responsibilities

Accept and respond to referrals from APS.
Build trusting, collaborative working relationships with older adults and, where appropriate, family members or other natural supports.
Facilitate participant openness to change through motivational interviewing.
Assist participants in identifying needs, strengths, and self-directed goals.
Develop individualized service/action plans and safety plans that reflect participant priorities.
Support decision-making, including with participants who may lack capacity, using structured tools and strategies.
Coordinate teaming processes involving family, service providers, and other partners.
Monitor and record participant progress toward self-identified goals.
Refer and connect participants to appropriate services (e.g., aging network services, housing, domestic violence/sexual assault services, behavioral health, caregiver supports).
Advocate with agencies and individuals to ensure participant access to benefits and services.
Assist with applications for services and benefits as needed.
Work collaboratively and maintain strong relationships with APS, community-based partners, healthcare providers, and legal services.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews.
Attend relevant community meetings and represent the program as needed.
Promote understanding of the RISE Model and person-led approaches in the community.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records.
Complete data collection and internal tracking in alignment with program and funder requirements.
Communicate case status and updates with the supervisory team.
Attend required training in the RISE Model, Motivational Interviewing, Supported Decision Making, Teaming, and Restorative Justice.
Apply model principles consistently to maintain fidelity.
Participate in regular supervision and reflective practice.
Maintain a growth mindset, including openness to repairing relationships and ongoing learning.
Other tasks as assigned.