Aging Services Caseworker – Piatt County

Seniors in our community thrive when they remain in their own homes as long as possible, and helping them do just that is one of the main goals of Family Service.  We’re currently looking for a highly motivated, compassionate, and organized person to work directly with seniors in Champaign, Piatt, and Douglas Counties to help them avoid assisted living or skilled nursing facilities for as long as possible.

Our ideal candidate has these qualities:

A KEEN EYE

You’ll be doing assessments of seniors, and this requires catching small details and reading between the lines to find and solve root problems and barriers that might keep a senior from managing in their current environment. From initial assessments to ongoing monitoring of the seniors’ emotional, mental, and physical well-being, your default position is watchful, ready to jump in and change course for struggling seniors whose situation requires care and attention.

HIGH ENERGY & INDEPENDENT

You won’t be trapped behind a desk all day, every day; you’ll be out in the community, working with seniors at their residence, visiting medical facilities, and educating other professionals about issues associated with aging.  You’re good with keeping your own schedule and staying on top of your case load without constant supervision.

WILLING TO BE A SQUEAKY WHEEL

When it comes to older adults, advocacy is the name of the game.  You’ll be using your assertive personality and your wide knowledge of available services to plug seniors in to the services that best fit their needs. These needs will include nutrition, shelter/housing, legal issues, medical/pharmaceutical. From time to time, this requires urgency, and the ideal candidate will go the extra mile to meet urgent needs.

COMPASSIONATE & EMPATHETIC

When seniors grapple with issues surrounding life changes, grief, or family difficulties, you’re a patient listener and knowledgeable resource to accompany them as they navigate these issues. You are sensitive to cultural and socioeconomic differences. We might ask you to do other tasks that support seniors from time to time to make sure our programs run smoothly and no senior falls between the cracks.  It goes without saying that the right person is a “people person” who can be diplomatic one second and a staunch advocate the next.

WILLING TO TRAVEL (LOCALLY)

We do home visits throughout Champaign or Piatt County; we also attend community events to meet older adults who may benefit from our services. Family Service offers senior services in three counties.  You will occasionally visit one of our other counties (Champaign, Piatt or Douglas) as part of your work week.  (We cover mileage at the federal rate.)

A NATURAL-BORN SCRIBE

You’re organized and detailed, and you use those traits to keep timely, observational case notes.  You can commit to double-checking that all the necessary forms are correct, case notes are updated, and follow-up tasks are scheduled on your calendar.  (You’ll keep up with internal documentation, as well, such as mileage sheets and daily schedule.) Generally, you’re a great communicator, both written and verbal, and you appreciate the value of documentation.  You probably loved new pens and notebooks when you were a kid.

BOTH A TEACHER & STUDENT

You will be presenting at various meetings and forums about contemporary senior issues, services available to seniors, and how others can connect with Family Service if they want to refer a senior. You have a bachelor’s degree, as well as the ability to obtain the certifications necessary for this position (such as SHIP, I-AIRS, and SAGE Care). You’ll also be attending advanced clinical training.  We stay on top of training opportunities so you’re always in the know.

TEAM PLAYER

We have staff meetings, work at a fast pace, use a database, honor confidentiality, and put seniors first.  If you’re the right candidate, you will work within those parameters professionally.

OTHER DETAILS:

We’re looking for someone with at least a year of case management experience.  There are a few other things we require, such as:

• An associate’s degree (bachelor’s preferred)

• A reliable car that you can use every workday, plus valid auto insurance

• Handling other tasks as assigned

• Can pass a background check: Any individual who is the subject of a pending investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services for child abuse or neglect, or who has been the subject of an indicated abuse or neglect report, which indicated report has not subsequently been overturned on an appeal, or who has been substantiated as an abuser by an IDOA provider agency is not eligible for employment in the Counseling and Advocacy Program.

ARE YOU THIS PERSON?

If we’re describing you, let’s talk. Send us your resumé and cover letter at hr@familyservicecc.org.