Aging Assessor III - Protective Service (Area Agency on Aging)

POSITION SUMMARY:  

This position is an advanced care manager position.

It requires knowledge of legal issues, client rights, knowledge of social service theory, medical diagnoses and mental health.  Requires ability to review and work with subcontractors, the medical, legal and financial professions, and to incorporate all community organizations that may impact a client’s situation.  This position may have responsibility for performance of protective services and/or intensive care management case load in homes and facilities throughout the County.

Employee may be required to provide specialized casework services to clients who are at imminent risk.  Employees are expected to be familiar with the protective services legislation rules, regulations and operating procedures involved in the protective services program.  This work requires that the employee document all actions and pay close attention to detail without receiving close supervision.  An employee in this class is expected to appropriately maintain a caseload of vulnerable clients who may need protection from abuse, exploitation, abandonment or self-neglect.

Coordination of medical, social, psychological or functional evaluations of the client’s condition may be part of the employee’s responsibilities.  Legal and statutory time frames have been established for certain aspects of this work which provides the employee with little or no flexibility.

 Employees are expected to have enough knowledge of community resources to be able to include them as a factor in assessing the client’s circumstances.  Work in this class is distinguished from work in the Aging Assessor II class by a heavier responsibility for the consequence of error.  Employee errors in judgment may place clients in dangerous or life-threatening situations.  Work is performed in accordance with established regulations, policies and procedures.  Employees are expected to exercise independent judgment in achieving objectives.  Work is reviewed by a supervisor through conferences, reports and the resolution of difficult situations.

To maintain high quality care management services identifying and meeting the varied needs of Berks County Area Agency on Aging consumers.  The assessor maintains the highest level of professional ethics, continually seeking opportunities for growth and development.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions


* Conduct thorough investigation of the circumstances of clients who need protection from abuse, exploitation, abandonment or self-neglect.


* Interface & testify in court system.


* Recommend case for court intervention, including guardianships or mental health evaluation with possible commitment.


* May provide intensive care management to consumers.


* Advocate on behalf of older adults with mental health issues.


* Conduct protective service investigations within required time frames and adhere to confidentiality regulations. 
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