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Rochester Presbyterian Home is seeking a Social Worker to fulfill the role of our Elder Advocate / Case Manager.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Elder Advocate / Case Manager works specifically with residents who have cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. This primary role is to support both residents and their families through the challenges of memory loss.

The Elder Advocate/Case Manager plays a crucial and specific role in supporting ElderOne residents of Rochester Presbyterian Home. The Advocate’s job involves a combination of direct care, advocacy, and daily coordination of care to ensure the residents' physical, emotional, social, and practical needs are met.

The Elder Advocate/Case Manager provides support to residents, families, and staff within the SNALR/EALR setting. This role includes conducting assessments, facilitating communication, and developing wellness plans tailored to the unique needs of residents with memory loss, working closely with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members while also providing guidance and advocacy for residents and their families.

The goal is to enhance the quality of life for residents and support their well-being through a compassionate and comprehensive approach to care.

Job Outcome: The Assisted Living Memory Care Elder Advocate efforts directly impact the well-being of residents and their families, helping to create a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment for those living with memory-related conditions. Their advocacy and support improve the quality of life for both residents and their families, providing emotional relief and promoting dignity and respect.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Resident Assessment and Care Plan Development:

+ Conduct comprehensive evaluations in compliance with ALR/SNALR/EALR NYS DOH regulations of residents' cognitive, physical, emotional, and social needs upon admission and throughout their stay.

+ Collaborate with the Administrator, licensed nurses, medical professionals, care partners, and families to create personalized wellness plans that address the specific challenges of memory impairment, identified needs and goals.

+ Regularly review and update wellness plans in coordination with the RN Case Manager and the Administrator.

+ Family Support and Education:

+ Offer counseling and education to families, helping them understand the progression of memory-related diseases and strategies for caregiving.

+ Work closely with family members to ensure they understand the resident’s wellness plan and assist them in coping with the challenges of caregiving and progression of memory loss. Provide education on aging-related issues, caregiving skills. Provide information about community resources, and long-term care options.

+ Facilitate family meetings to discuss wellness plan updates.

+ Behavioral and Emotional Support:

+ Provide emotional support and counseling for residents experiencing anxiety, depression, or confusion due to memory loss.

+ Develop strategies to manage difficult behaviors associated with dementia, including agitation, aggression, or withdrawal.

+ Offer one-on-one support and activities that stimulate cognitive function and promote positive emotional well-being.

+ Advocacy:

+ Advocate for residents’ rights, ensuring they receive appropriate care and services.

+ Address any concerns from residents, families, or staff, ensuring that the residents’ wishes and needs are respected in accordance with their wellness plan.

+ Act as a liaison between residents and staff to address concerns and resolve issues.

+ Resource Coordination:

+ Identify and connect residents and families with community resources, such as legal assistance, financial support, and healthcare services.

+ Assist with the transition of residents into the facility and provide guidance on community integration.

+ Crisis Intervention:

+ Respond to and manage crises involving behavioral issues or emotional distress for residents.

+ Provide crisis intervention and emotional support in situations of trauma, such as a sudden health decline or the death of a resident.

+ Provide support during significant changes, such as hospitalization or end-of-life decisions.

+ Coordination of Care:

+ Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care that addresses medical, social, and emotional needs.

+ Assist with transitions to and from the memory care facility, ensuring residents and families receive guidance during these challenging times.

+ Keep detailed records of wellness plans, progress, and any changes in residents’ conditions.

+ Coordinate/Facilitate care team meetings and case conferences for ElderOne residents.

+ Therapeutic Interventions and Socialization:

+ Assist with group activities designed to encourage socialization and cognitive stimulation (e.g., memory exercises, music therapy, arts and crafts).

+ Provide individualized support to residents who may not be able to participate in group activities, ensuring they still feel connected and engaged.

+ Training and Staff Support:

+ Provide staff training on dementia care techniques, communication strategies, and how to manage residents' challenging behaviors.

+ Offer guidance on how to maintain a supportive and therapeutic environment for residents with memory loss.

QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW) from an accredited program OR 10 + years of relevant leadership experience in assisted living, memory care.

+ Experience: Prior experience in healthcare, assisted living, memory care, community health, or social services setting is required.

+ Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

+ Other Requirements: Compassionate, patient, and empathetic toward the elderly. Knowledge of aging-related issues and elder care resources.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

+ Primarily office-based, with direct interaction with residents in the ALR/SNALR/EALR.

+ Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet family or resident needs.

+ May involve some physical activity (e.g., assisting residents or setting up activities).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that would need to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in an adult-memory care assisted living environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

DISCLAIMER

The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an all-inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements or duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by RPH as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.

Rochester Presbyterian Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by laws and regulations.