REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related behavioral science or Master’s degree in Social Work or related field.
  
• Bachelor’s degree applicants must also have a minimum of three years social work experience, preferably in the areas of aging, community health, nursing home or hospital discharge planning.
  
• Must be well organized with a strong attention to detail and be able to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record and access to a fully insured car.
  
• Second language abilities preferred, but not required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete a weekly minimum of 7 standardized Pennsylvania Department of Aging assessments, Functional Needs measurements and financial screening tools for consumers seeking Nursing Home, Personal Care Home or Domiciliary placement or long term care services through the community based programs of Pennsylvania Department of Aging (Options, Waiver, and Family Care Giver Support), as well as additional programs not available through PCA, including: Attendant Care Waiver, Office of Social Program's Independence Waiver and the  Long Term Care Capitated Assistance Program.
  
• Make appropriate level of care determinations based on the comprehensive assessment and information received from physician, family, friends, referral source and applicant's preferences.  Consult with Assessment Supervisor and Nurse Consultant as necessary to make this determination.
  
• Evaluate the availability and appropriateness of community based long term care programs or facilities to best meet applicant's needs and makes the most appropriate, least restrictive, locus of care decision with consideration of applicant's preferences.
  
• Develop a preliminary care plan based on locus of care determination and arranges for needed services for 21 days.
  
• Transfer to appropriate long term care program or refers to its waiting list if one exists and ensure each applicant being placed on a waiting list is referred to, or made aware of, alternative entitlements, services or agencies.
  
• Order home delivered meals for eligible applicants who are being placed on a waiting list and monitors continued need on an on-going basis.
  
• Encourage self-advocacy by applicants and their families through legislative postcard campaign to eliminate or reduce waiting lists.
  
• Complete bi-annual reassessments for certain programs and conduct re-evaluations for appropriateness of level of care decisions as necessary.  
  
• Finalize new Functional Needs Measurements to ensure appropriate placement on waiting list, as requested.
  
• Complete the Pre-admission Screening/Annual Resident Review (PASARR) process for individuals identified with mental illness, mental retardation, or other related disability as required by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA).
  
• Conduct one of three standardized Department of Welfare Medical Assistance financial application forms for applicants.
  
• Advocate and follow- up on DPW 's final disposition of applications to assure appropriate placement and or service needs are met.    
  
• Conduct annual recertification of financial eligibility.
  
• Input and maintain data in a consumer based automated system on a timely and accurate basis and assure accurate completion of reports.
  
•  Interface with all PCA Long Term Care programs, County Assistance Office, providers and referral sources in a professional and cooperative manner.
  
• Attend staff, team and in-service meetings on a monthly basis and other trainings or meetings as required.
  
• Participate in on-going problem solving, program evaluation and development with team and all staff.
  
• Represent agency and program policies, procedures and objectives to applicants, referral sources, providers and the public.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.