Dementia Care Specialist

Job SummaryLocated at the Oconto Falls office; this position will provide support to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Responsibilities include educating individuals and families about options, assisting with making connections to programs and services through both private and public funding, providing cognitive screening for early detection of cognitive change, assisting with physician connections for diagnosis and providing evidence-based programs. Additional duties include engaging in outreach and collaborative efforts with internal and external providers in order to increase awareness related to dementia and advocating for consumer needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

Provide customer service by ensuring a positive customer experience and achieving consumer satisfactions in response for information about an array of topics related to dementia and caregiving. Provide prompt follow-up with individuals or family through telephone contact, face-to-face in-home or office visits to answers questions, provide information about resources and facilitate connections to necessary supports and services. Receive and address referrals from ADRC and community partners of individuals screened positive for possible cognitive impairment, diagnosed with dementia or those exhibiting symptoms of dementia. Conduct cognition screens and provide person-centered consultation to assure opportunities for support and follow-up with primary care provider and other resources are available in accordance with the individual's preferences. Provide at least two evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions as determined by ADRC policy, one specifically designed for family caregivers. Provide volunteer training, support and guidance to expand the goals of the Dementia Care Specialist program. Provide short-term service coordination for individuals with dementia and / or their caregivers in accordance with ADRC policy. Provide dementia-specific consultation and technical assistance related to cognition screening, individual and family caregiver issues for internal staff and external agencies. Provide outreach and awareness to engage professionals, employers, organizations and the general community about the ADRC and available dementia services. Collaborate and develop referral protocols with local, regional and statewide dementia organizations. Provide leadership for a Dementia Capable ADRC to include ongoing education and technical assistance. Represent the ADRC to the community through professional interaction, public speaking, media presentations and participation in community advisory groups and coalitions as requested. Provide leadership and assist the ADRC with development and implementation of strategies to create dementia friendly communities. Participate in DCS statewide / regional meetings, training programs and conference calls and related activities as directed by ADRC policy. Maintain current knowledge of dementia, research findings and new interventions and innovations for people living in the community. Complete required ADRC recordkeeping per ADRC policy, including activity reporting and 100%-time reporting.

Work Requirements :

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field.-Requires one year of experience working in the dementia field, i.e. direct care, caregiver support, support group facilitation, residential care, homecare.-Valid Wisconsin Driver's License and access to an insured vehicle is required.