Protective Services Advocate - Boston, United States - Central Boston Elder Services Inc

Central Boston Elder Services Inc

Verified Company

Boston, United States

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

***: Receive and investigate reports of elder self-neglect: eviction and homelessness prevention. Work effectively with housing resources, housing authorities, and community providers toward obtaining safe and adequate housing for elders in our community. Complete comprehensive assessments of the elder's needs, risks and decision-making capacity. Provide problem-focused, goal-oriented, short-term casework/counseling interventions to elders determined to be suffering from a reportable condition of self-neglect. Tasks will include (but are not limited to) accompanying elders to court and completing necessary documentation to secure alternate housing. Ensure all documentation are entered into Harmony APS computer software in accordance with protective service regulations and agency policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receive reports of elder selfneglect related to eviction concerns.
Complete comprehensive assessments within 30 calendar days from the date of referral.
Provide crisis management for elderrelated issues related to potential eviction/homelessness.
Assess the elder's capacity to consent to Protective Services Housing Advocate and ability to understand the consequences of pending housing concerns.
With the elder's consent, contact relevant collaterals.
Research and be familiar with best practices in Protective Services and Housing Court to allow intervention and initiatives to evolve and continue success.
Working knowledge of housing resources and services available, such as HUD, BHA, Elder''s Living at Home
Conduct thorough investigations of reports of elder selfneglect within regulated time frames, including interviewing the elder and contacting collateral sources for information. Consult with the supervisor throughout the investigation and during case openings.
Continually assess and document the elder's level of risk and respond to factors placing the elder at risk.
Meet weekly or more frequently, if needed, with the designated PS Supervisor to review cases and discuss case determinations, risk assessments, and changes in consumer status.
Complete all APS data entry and documentation as EOEA and CBES policies and procedures require.
Ability to take initiative, follow through consistently, and work independently.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and adhere to strict deadlines and lastminute court appearances.
Develop a Service Plan with the involvement of elders.
Assist elders in defining problems and priorities and presenting a range of options to them.
Obtain consent to providing protective services once case determination has been made.
Research, locate, and match services to elder's needs and preferences utilizing the least restrictive, appropriate intervention.
Develop and implement a service plan to which the elder has consented.
Provide casework focused on the alleviation of obstacles to the provision of services.
Enter the written service plan into APS with timely revisions as required.
Maintain accurate progress notes in APS within five business days of contact.
Assess risk, problemsolve, and carry out appropriate decisions/actions with clients and their families during crises.
Participate in 24hour oncall coverage as scheduled. (if applicable)
Represent the agency in external meetings as required, including statewide EOEA Meetings.
Participate in regional and statewide PS meetings as necessary.
Initiate and present PS community education training as needed to help the Agency meet its goal.
Update knowledge through courses, inservices, and workshops. Participate in relevant EOEA trainings.
Attend and contribute to department and Agency staff meetings.
Protect consumers' Personal Health Information (PHI) and report any suspected security breaches.
Perform all services according to state and federal regulations and CBES policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

A Master's degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, nursing or gerontology plus at least one year of experience in counseling, casework, or case management preferably in a Protective Services, domestic violence or crisis intervention capacity; or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited school in social work, psychology, counseling, human development, or gerontology plus at least two years experience in counseling, casework or case management providing protective, domestic violence or crisis intervention services.
Prior experience working with elders is preferred; sensitivity to elder issues is required.
Must have demonstrated strong assessment skills.
Effective client advocacy skills and the ability to empower elders and those with people with disabilities in improving the quality of their lives.
Knowledge of Home Care and health programs, other community resources, and basic knowledge of gerontological issues preferred.