Care Manager

Lifespan is a trusted, mission-driven, regional nonprofit dedicated to helping older adults take on the challenges and opportunities of longer life. We are a great place to work where staff can grow personally and professionally in a supportive and inclusive environment.

STATUS: Non-Exempt (30 hours a week)
HOURLY RATE: Up to $23.00 per hour

About the Role

The Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute (FLCI) is a specialized program at Lifespan serving caregivers of older adults. FLCI Care Managers focus on serving caregivers of individuals with memory loss or forms of dementia. FLCI Care Managers help caregivers by providing unbiased information about care options and linkage to services for their care partner as well as support, education, and programs for themselves as a caregiver. Care Managers offer a holistic assessment of the caregiver’s and the person living with memory loss’ needs by identifying health, financial, emotional, functional, and environmental concerns. Care Managers offer care options, solutions, and guidance navigating challenging systems. Care Managers may facilitate support groups and assist with caregiver education events. Services are provided in the 10-county region of Monroe, Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Schuyler, Wayne, and Yates counties.

Responsibilities

• Provide care management to caregivers and their care partners:
  • Accept referrals from various sources including physician practices, NY Connects, Area Agencies on Aging, and self-referrals.
  • Complete comprehensive assessments to determine caregiver goals.
  • Create and implement care plans that meet caregiver needs and preferences.
  • Reassess goals and modify care plans as necessary.
  • Provide information and referral, advocacy, benefit, and entitlement counseling.
  • Complete or assist with Medicaid or other benefit applications.
  • Connect caregivers and clients to the Alzheimer’s Association.
  • Complete all documentation within required timeframes.
• Arrange mental health interventions for caregivers and their care partners when necessary:
  • Conduct mental health screenings when appropriate.
  • Provide supportive counseling to caregivers and care partners.
  • Work with the physician office care team to provide linkage to appropriate ongoing mental health community services.
• Participate as a member of the inter-agency team:
  • Attend all FLCI staff meetings and training.
  • Attend all Lifespan staff meetings and trainings.
  • Participate in Quality Assurance activities.
  • Accept and seek guidance and clinical supervision.
  • Collaborate with Lifespan team members and professional partners.
• Ensure timely completion of all required documentation and data entry into the appropriate database.
• Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge of the geriatric field, with a special focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, care options, community services, entitlement benefits, clinical skills, and competencies through reading, workshops, and conferences.
• Support the Agency’s initiative of being collaborative, community-focused, and innovative. Demonstrate and value the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in human services fields. Preference given to Bachelor of Social Work degree holders.
• Experience: Two years in the field of human services, with at least one year of experience working with caregivers and persons with dementia, geriatrics, or comparable human services experience preferred. Experience with completing Medicaid applications is a plus. Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus. New graduates are encouraged to apply.

Skills

• Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of caregivers facing stress and anxiety related to caregiving, end-of-life transitions, medical challenges, and financial management.
• Mental Health Awareness: Basic understanding of the impact of caregiving on mental and physical health.
• Cultural Humility: Commitment to the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility.
• Problem Identification/Solving: Ability to conduct comprehensive assessments for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Follow-up: Ensure caregivers receive the best possible service through consistent follow-up.
• Communication: Clear, honest, and open communication with the ability to be a present and invested listener.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to meet with clients in their homes or the greater community.
• A portion of the work is performed at a desk or personal computer station.
• Strong verbal, written, and telephone communication skills.
• Proficient written and computer skills.
• Ability to interface with all levels of personnel.
• Ability to maintain composure under strict deadlines and difficult situations.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural situations.
• Access to reliable transportation and a valid NYS Driver’s license.

Benefits

• Vacation: 21 days
• Sick leave: 10 days
• Personal time: 3 days
• Holidays: 11 days
• Medical Insurance: 3 options
• Dental Insurance: 2 options
• Vision Insurance: 2 options
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• 403(b) Retirement Program
• Hybrid Work Schedule may be available after successfully completing the probationary period
• Accrued time is pro-rated if working less than 37.5 hours per week.

Pay

Hourly rate up to $23.00. Multiple factors will be considered for salary/hourly determination, including years of relevant service, skills required, education, and internal equity.

Schedule

30 hours per week (non-exempt).