Dementia Care (Information and Assistance) Specialist

Description

The purpose of the Dementia Care Specialist position is to support people with dementia and their caregivers to ensure the highest quality of life possible while living at home. This is done by providing information and assistance to adults with memory or cognitive concerns; providing information and support to family members and friends who are caregivers; helping develop dementia-friendly communities and assisting in creating and maintaining a dementia-capable ADRC.

Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Essential Duties

The following duties are normal for this position but should not be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Develop referral relationships with physicians, dementia diagnostic clinics, and other healthcare providers.
• Maintain current knowledge of dementia research findings, new evidence-based interventions, and other innovations for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Serve as a catalyst for developing and implementing strategies to create and sustain dementia-friendly communities in the ADRC service area.
• Provide dementia-specific consultation and technical assistance related to cognitive screening and individual and family caregiver issues to adult protective staff, crisis response systems, and other agencies, as requested.
• Provide evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions, one designed for family caregivers, as part of ongoing activities.
• Offer and provide person-centered support to individuals when memory screens are positive to ensure opportunities for follow-up are provided.
• Offer and provide short-term service coordination for individuals with dementia and/or their caregivers.
• Provide outreach and awareness, information sessions, and training to professionals, employers, organizations, and the general community about the ADRC, dementia, and available dementia services.
• Participate in and assist in the facilitation of the Douglas County Caregiver Coalition.
• Participate in dementia care specialist statewide and regional meetings and training programs.
• Provide backup support to ADRC staff for duties related to intake (Information & Assistance and Options Counseling).
• Assist in facilitating the monthly caregiver support group.
• Coordinate the Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support program.
• Maintains case files and completes documentation, program paperwork and time reporting within program regulations.
• Participates in mandatory department trainings and unit trainings.
• Participates in monthly unit meetings.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree (preferably in a health or human services-related field) or a license to practice as a registered nurse in Wisconsin pursuant to s. 441.06 Stats.
• The equivalent of at least one year of full-time experience in a health or human services field, working with one or more of the client populations served by the ADRC (older adults, adults with physical or intellectual disabilities).
• Qualifying work experience may be paid or unpaid and may include internships, field placement and volunteer work.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of dementia, dementia care and support, family and informal caregiver needs, and challenging behaviors related to dementia.
• Knowledge of community resources available to target populations served by the ADRC.
• Knowledge of the warning signs of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation and be able to identify clients at risk.
• Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate an understanding of cultural competence and diversity when providing services.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and problem-solving methodology.
• Knowledge about computers, computer programs, and data entry.
• Basic knowledge of Wisconsin’s Medicaid long-term care programs, eligibility requirements, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provision of open records laws.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with required timeframes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, customers, providers, and staff of other agencies.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
The Dementia Care Specialist operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. This role works frequently in varying environments including private residences and community-based residential facilities.

Testing Requirements