Advocate & Admissions Manager

Job Description

Job Description

“Why Work at Hiawatha Homes?”

At Hiawatha Homes, our work matters. Every day, our team members support individuals with disabilities and specialized needs in ways that promote safety, dignity, independence, and quality of life. If you are looking for a career where your work isn't transactional, but instead you can build meaningful relationships, make a direct impact, and be part of a mission-driven organization, Hiawatha Homes may be the right place for you. We value compassion, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism, and we are committed to creating a supportive work environment where employees feel respected and appreciated.

Position Overview

The Hiawatha Homes Advocate is responsible for developing and maintaining a system of communications between the individuals supported, his/her family, Hiawatha Homes, and appropriate community agencies; coordinating admissions and discharges; monitoring individual’s rights (service-related rights and protection rights); conducting abuse/neglect investigations; reporting those findings to the Common Entry Point; and assisting with any family issues or grievances.

Essential Job Functions

1. Program Support Duties
   • Collect the initial referral information for all Hiawatha programs; share this information with the appropriate staff persons; offer tour of Hiawatha Homes for the person requesting the information.
   • Coordinate and participate in pre-admission meetings and participate in decisions for discharge along with the individual’s team.
   • Serve as staff representative for Admissions/Discharge Committee and maintain records for this committee. Make recommendations for waiting list or respite care.
   • Attend the HH Leadership Team Meetings including the HCBS meetings.
2. Advocate Duties
   • Participate in program reviews as an advocate, for the people supported by HH; review annual notes, discuss finances, guardianship status, resident rights (service-related rights and protection rights), and monitor serious injury reports. 
   • Support programs with implementing Positive Support Practices such as person-centered planning and positive behavioral support plans.
   • Support the person and team when there is a Behavioral Intervention Report Form (BIRF) that needs to be completed and followed through on.
   • Offer recommendations for internal changes for individuals as appropriate.
   • Develop and review service plans in consultation with the individuals supported and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
   • Act as liaison for Hiawatha Homes with Apple Tree Dental and other community services for people supported by HH; review billings and assist with dental appointments, as needed.
   • Research and inform HH employees regarding related programs and advocacy activities for people with developmental disabilities in the community.
   • Maintain open communication with all programs and support staff throughout the agency.
   • Investigate all reports or potential harm or injury to individuals supported at HH, maintain records, and confer with the CEO on all investigations.
   • Maintain contact with the county Common Entry Point, DHS and Ombudsman Office as required for serious injuries and deaths. Serve as primary staff for abuse/neglect reporting and training.
   • Review Medicaid, Medicare, UCARE related information as well as assist with the completion of Medical Assistance paperwork for the individuals supported at HH.
   • Collaborate with HH Business Office Team regarding individual’s financial status.
   • Complete Representative Payee forms/paperwork as required.
   • Develop and distribute annual survey, as required by 245D.
3. Supporting Individuals
   
   • Monitor individual’s financial accounts for appropriateness. Along with the Director of Nursing, assist individuals with completing advance directives.
   • Support other individuals supported by HH, family, and staff at the time of a person’s death; assist with funeral arrangements; and make an official death report to the Home County, DHS, and Ombudsman office.
4. Committees/Policies
   • Participate in Hiawatha Home’s policy development and revision; update the Vulnerable Adult/Child Protection Policy, and 245D policies, as needed. Assure that human, civil, and legal rights are protected for all people supported by HH and their families.
   • Serve as the designated privacy official who shall be responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s HIPAA policies and procedures; provide additional information and answer questions concerning Hiawatha’s policies and procedures and ensure compliance with the policies and procedures, and other issues concerning the privacy of individually identifiable health information (HIPAA).
   • Attend and participate in Social and Wellness Committee, Agency Orientation, and other relevant training courses, committees, and meetings.
   • Work with the CEO, Training Coordinator, and Program Team to implement person-centered training opportunities for HH Team Members.
   • Attend and participate in Professional Development, as needed, or directed.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, (etc.)Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities or persons aged 65 or older.

OR

• Associate’s degree in a related field such as: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, (etc.) and a minimum of 3 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities or persons aged 65 or older.
• Ability to speak, write, and comprehend the English language.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Upon hire, candidates must provide proof of employment eligibility and possess a valid driver’s license.
• All candidates must successfully pass a State of Minnesota background check.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met in order to successfully complete essential job functions. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be considered.

• Frequent bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and reaching may be required
• Frequent lifting and carrying up to 35 lbs. unassisted may be required
• Occasional squatting, kneeling, climbing, crawling, and walking on uneven ground may be required
• This position may require work with moderate noise and/or pets
• This position requires working in an office setting utilizing a computer and general office equipment

Benefits

Paid job training.

• Shift differentials.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement plan with an employer paid match for eligible positions. 
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance for eligible positions. 
• Short Term Disability insurance for eligible positions. 
• $500 sign in bonus after 6 months.

Hiawatha Homes is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.