Dementia Care Specialist: Kenosha County ADRC

Job Description

EMPLOYER: Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc.
JOB TITLE: Dementia Care Specialist

LOCATION:Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center

SUPERVISOR: Helen Sampson, Quality Coordinator, ADRC

DESCRIPTION:

This full time position ispart of the Aging and Disability Resource Center,located at 85th Street and Sheridan Road in Kenosha, serving older adults, persons with disabilities and their families. The ideal candidate will have exceptional knowledge of dementia and community resources and be able to communicate this with individuals, families and the public.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

  1. Receive referrals from within the ADRC and community partners, of individualsscreened positive for possible cognitiveimpairment, diagnosed with dementia or exhibiting symptoms of dementia.
  2. Promptly follow up with individuals or family for a phone consultation or preferably, a face-to-face in-homeor office visit to answer questions, provide information about resources and help them connect with the supports needed.
  3. Follow up with individuals or family to provide coaching, support and address any barriers to meeting their goals.
  4. Provide Music and Memory and DICE interventions.
  5. Utilize Motivational Interviewing techniques to help caregivers set personal action goals.
  6. Encourage and assist individuals/families to develop safety /crisis plans and complete a File of Life.
  7. Document contacts and activities and prepare required reports.
  8. Be available via phone or email during normal business hours for ongoing support to persons with dementia or caregivers.
  9. Provide leadership for Dementia Capable ADRC including ongoing education and technical assistance.
  10. Provide leadership for Dementia Friendly Communities including dementia education for professionals and the public through presentations to groups and articles in local publications.
  11. Maintain a knowledge base of Alzheimer’s disease, innovations and new research findings.
  12. Professionally represent the Kenosha County ADRC, maintaining a cooperative and collaborative relationship with a wide range of local, regional and state organizations.
  13. Represent the ADRC on the Racine-Kenosha Dementia Network.
  14. Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, nursing or related professional field.
  • At least two years of direct experience with Alzheimer’s disease (direct care, caregiver support, support groups, personal experience may be relevant)
  • Active listening skills and effective communication skills; training in Motivational Interviewing a plus.
  • Knowledge of Kenosha County’s network of services and support systems
  • Experience facilitating small group learning and discussion; comfortable speaking before groups and with medical professionals
  • Professional written and verbal communication skills
  • Must have access to automobile for travel throughout Kenosha County and periodic out-of-county trainings.
  • Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours

DCS-2017