CARES ASSESSOR

CARES Assessor

This is a highly responsible position that provides comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home and community-based services, evaluates the Level of Care, and recommends the most appropriate placement. This position is not a teleworking position, and the incumbent is required to report to the DOEA office in the area it serves.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinates and conducts comprehensive assessments of applicants for nursing facility placement and home and community-based services.
• Evaluates the Level of Care and recommends the most appropriate placement; participates as a member of an interdisciplinary staffing team for Level of Care determination.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date medical information on clients through regular documentation of activities.
• Ensures timely and accurate data collection, reporting, and follow-up with individuals in accordance with established CARES policies, procedures, and regulations as directed in the CARES Handbook.
• Inputs assessment data into Client Information & Registration Tracking System (CIRTS).
• Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team in making Title XIX Level of Care decisions (inclusive of physicians and other specialized professionals), maintains accurate and up-to-date medical information on clients through regular documentation of casework activities, ensuring timely and accurate data collection and reporting.
• Ensures that the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process is completed before a Level of Care is issued when a request is received from a state mental hospital, a psychiatric hospital, or a psychiatric hospital unit.
• Participates in monitoring of placement decisions on cases assigned through an annual recertification process; communicates with the long-term care network and relevant providers to ensure the appropriate Level of Care, program recommendation, and placement recommendation.
• Maintains a high level of professional CARES knowledge, including an understanding of State and Federal rules and laws governing the activities performed by CARES.
• Improves/enhances professional knowledge, skills, and abilities through education courses, seminars, workshops, review of policies and procedures, etc.
• Participates in pilot/special projects, which involves collaborative efforts to improve assessment and delivery of services.
• Participates in disaster recovery efforts throughout the State of Florida. Reports to Special Needs Shelters to assist with discharge planning during a hurricane-related or other type of emergency situation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of Level of Care rules and regulations, knowledge of CARES policies and procedures, knowledge of the aging process and the effects of chronic illness, knowledge of interviewing techniques, knowledge of community resources, as they relate to elders and adults with disabilities.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze client information, ability to work with clients with a variety of physical and emotional problems, ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills, and uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Be detail oriented and able to enter data accurately into a computerized system. Navigate multiple computer screens and applications.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Windows Operating environments and Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and other documentation in a logical format.
• Ability to demonstrate a professional and courteous demeanor to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply complicated and detailed regulations, policies, procedures, and programs governing the agency.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to type and prepare reports and memorandums accurately and timely.
• Plan and organize to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
• Ability to work in a large, open office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry a laptop and associated documents (up to ten pounds).
• Maintains confidentiality as required.

Requirements include:

• Four (4) or more years of professional experience in the field of community and social services; or A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in the field of community and social services; or A combination of education and professional experience in the field of community and social services work totaling four (4) or more years.
• Travel is required. Operates own private motor vehicle for routine travel within the assigned planning and service area. All applicable State and local driving laws and insurance regulations must be strictly adhered to in the operation of the private vehicle while performing State business. You must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Overnight travel may be required.