Community Living Specialist

Reports to: ADRC Supervisor 

FLSA Status: Part-time Non-Exempt 

Dedicate yourself to an Organization and Mission you can be proud of by joining the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging!

Our Mission:

We provide choices for people to live independently in the place they want to call home.

About Us:

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 collaborates together to create opportunities for older Ohioans to receive needed home and community services and support; and to age successfully in their own homes and communities.

Candidates we love…

• Self-motivated and compassionate professionals looking to be part of a Best-in Class organization
• Team players who are committed to providing superior service to all they serve
• Enthusiastic professionals excited to grow with an organization that values dedication, innovation and collaboration.

What our staff loves about us…

• A generous six-week PTO program and thirteen paid holidays
• An investment in professional development through a substantial, annual training funds allotment
• A 401K program with company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits and so much more…

Position Summary:

The Community Living Specialist (CLS) acts as a liaison between nursing facility residents and community-based resources, ensuring individuals have access to services and supports that meet their unique needs. Responsibilities include timely contact with residents or guardians to provide information and referrals for community services and supports that are appropriate to support the residents’ discharge goals and preferences. The CLS is responsible for facilitating HOME Choice and Home and Community-Based Waiver applications, referrals to community resources and providing a written Community Living Plan to assure continuity of care.

Job Duties:

• Meet with the nursing facility resident and/or guardian or caregiver to determine long-term care needs that support discharge goals.
• Focus on individual’s needs, circumstances and values and provide options to meet the consumer’s long-term care needs, including payment sources, factors to consider when choosing among available programs, services and benefits, and opportunities for maximizing independence and self-reliance.
• Develop a community living plan between the consumer/caregiver regarding identified needs, goals and interventions and provide written copy within 5 working days.
• Make appropriate referrals to community providers, Medicaid Waiver programs, VA, etc. with agreement from consumer/caregiver.
• Assist with completing applications on consumer’s behalf including but not limited to MIPPA, Medicaid, SNAP, Veterans Benefits, Home Choice, etc.
• Advocate on consumer’s behalf.
• Maintain confidentiality according to Agency and HIPPA policies.
• Document in appropriate IT platform according to policy and quality compliance standards.
• Adhere to daily and monthly productivity standards.
• Work cooperatively and constructively with internal WRAAA staff and formal/informal systems.
• Promote positive employee relations and fosters excellence in customer service.
• Participate in and contribute toward accomplishment of Agency and department goals.
• Abide by professional code of ethics established by licensure, if applicable.
• Other duties as assigned include performing Resource Specialist duties when CLS census is low. This description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all possible duties or responsibilities. Duties/responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• At least two years’ experience providing information and referral services for seniors and adults with disabilities. Preference will be given to an associate's degree in social services, human services, Social Work, or Certified Community Health Worker.
• Knowledge of major chronic illnesses, disease processes, normal aging and medical terminology.
• Familiar with Medicare, Medicaid and community resources in the five-county area of Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Cuyahoga Counties.
• Ability to effectively communicate and build rapport in person, by phone, text or email.
• Ability to record information concurrently with interviews in an accurate and timely manner to meet program requirements and timeframes.
• The ability to independently solve problems including the ability to analyze, evaluate and implement reasonable courses of action based on available information.
• Intermediate computer skills including Microsoft applications of Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Excel and Word.
• Ability to transport a laptop computer, case and documents, therefore must be able to lift/carry minimum of 20 lbs.
• Ability to ambulate enough to access private homes and facilities which may not be readily accessible.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle during working hours. May occasionally be asked to complete consultation outside of regular office hours if requested by consumer/caregiver.

If you are interested in joining a dynamic team of professionals, please submit your resume and a cover letter. We look forward to speaking with you. 

The Agency is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all. Employment decisions are made based on each person’s performance, qualifications, and abilities. The Agency does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability status, health status, genetic information or ancestry, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy covers all aspects of employment practices, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.