Veteran-Directed Care Social Work Internship

WESTERN RESERVE AREA AGENCY ON AGING•North Olmsted, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Veteran-Directed Care Social Work Intern gains supervised experience supporting Veterans, caregivers and authorized representatives in a self-directed, person-centered service model. The placement emphasizes engagement, assessment, individualized planning, care coordination, community resources, documentation, advocacy and collaboration with program partners. Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) is a private non-profit corporation, organized and designated by the State of Ohio to be the planning, coordinating and administrative agency for federal and state aging programs in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties. It is one of twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state organized together with local service provider organizations and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) to form the state's public aging services network. The network works together to create opportunities for older Ohioan's to receive needed home and community services and supports; and to age successfully in their own homes and communities.

Requirements

Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) program, or a related program approved by the agency and educational institution.
Eligible for a formal internship or field placement through the student’s educational institution.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and accurate records.
Effective verbal and written communication, organization, time management and interpersonal skills.
Ability to use Microsoft Office, virtual communication tools and electronic documentation systems with training.
Ability to work respectfully with people from varied backgrounds and with diverse needs and lived experiences.
Interest in Veterans services, aging, disability, long-term services and supports, healthcare, case management or self-directed service models.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or experience related to social work practice, Veterans services, aging, disability, healthcare, behavioral health, case management or person-centered planning.
Experience through employment, service learning or volunteer work with Veterans, older adults, people with disabilities or caregivers.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and proof of insurance when travel is part of the approved placement.

Responsibilities

Observe and assist with in-person, telephone or virtual interactions with Veterans, caregivers and authorized representatives.
Help gather information about strengths, preferences, goals, daily support needs, informal supports, risks and barriers.
Assist with initial and ongoing person-centered assessments and reassessments under supervision.
Support informed decision-making, dignity, independence and Veteran choice.
Observe development and review of individualized spending plans.
Learn how assessed needs, personal goals, authorized budgets, services, workers and purchases are reflected in a spending plan.
Assist with organizing supporting information, routine plan updates and status tracking.
Help reinforce approved education about self-direction, budget management, participant responsibilities and employer responsibilities.
Assist with routine follow-up through approved home visits, telephone calls, virtual contacts or other methods.
Support coordination among Veterans, caregivers, direct care workers, community providers, Fiscal Management Services and Veterans Affairs Medical Center partners.
Help identify service gaps, barriers, changing needs and community resources for supervisor review.
Assist with emergency back-up planning and resource research.
Support Veteran choice, independence, dignity, safety and community inclusion.
Help Veterans and caregivers understand approved program information, rights, responsibilities and available resources.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, program trainings and interdisciplinary learning as appropriate.
Collaborate professionally with internal staff and external program partners.
Draft progress notes, contact records, assessment information and program documents for supervisor review.
Enter and validate information in approved electronic case-management or health-record systems based on assigned access.
Maintain organized records and protect confidential information.
Assist with audits, quality assurance, data tracking, resource updates and process-improvement projects
Regular supervision with a designated supervisor, including assignment review, documentation review, ethical consultation and professional development.
Orientation to agency policies, confidentiality, safety, documentation standards, technology and program expectations.
Opportunities for observation, guided practice, case discussion, interdisciplinary learning and progressive responsibility.
Coordination with the educational institution regarding the learning agreement, evaluations, required hours and field education expectations.
Immediate consultation with a supervisor for client safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, privacy concerns, urgent needs or ethical issues.