AAA Client Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

THE WACOG DIFFERENCE

Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) recognizes and appreciates the strengths of our workforce. We strive to provide a professional and supportive environment where employees can achieve their career goals. The WACOG workforce is encouraged to focus on their strengths and abilities to reach their full potential.

WACOG is the Area Agency on Aging for Mohave, La Paz and Yuma Counties that focuses on helping older adults, adults with disabilities, and their family caregivers to live with dignity and independence in their homes and communities. As a leader in quality care coordination and caregiver programs in the area, WACOG is a champion of evidence-based and evidence-informed practices that help older adults maximize their quality of life as they age.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under general supervision, provide advocacy and assistance to clients and their caregivers to maintain client independence and safety while properly documenting activity in applicable systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

1. Proactively perform in-home needs assessment, determine eligibility, and develop client centered Plan of Care in accordance to State and Federal guidelines, the Area Agency on Aging, Department of Aging and Adult Services, and the Older Americans Act.
2. Obtain and Maintain Community Health Worker Certification. Complete required Continuing Education Units; 24 every two years with preapproved costs paid by WACOG.
3. Collaborate with WACOG staff and providers to ensure services are provided and follow-up as needed.
4. Act as a liaison between client and community agencies; promote services, educate clients, encourage utilization of available services, and assist in completing applications for these services within the WACOG portfolio as well as other community-based organizations, as allowed.
5. Prepare and maintain current and accurate files, enter data and/or download client data into relevant software programs.
6. Perform thorough periodic reviews and assessments in a timely manner for the continuum of care.
7. Create, maintain, and submit regular reports such as vehicle and log sheets.
8. Actively participate in trainings, staff meetings and Monthly client staffing’s. Regularly complete in-service training related to your role as a Client Advocate.
9. Provide professional customer service to clients, area agencies and other WACOG staff to provide efficient services, address questions, and handle concerns in a proactive manner.
10. Regular travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel may be required.
11. Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
12. Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality of information and a positive image of WACOG.
13. Perform other duties as necessary to carry out the administrative/ programmatic goals and objectives of WAGOG and/or department.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, nursing, or other closely related fields, or

Two years experience in social or health services.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of five years social work experience working with seniors and disabled individuals

CHW Certification within six months

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

• Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Arizona. Will be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of vehicle insurance, minimum 21 years of age.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (KSAs) The individual who holds this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The KSAs listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for satisfactory performance.

• Working knowledge of community resources, with the ability to remain current and up to date
• Ability to navigate relevant software applications, with proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Knowledge and experience working with individuals with disabilities, seniors, and low-income populations in a community-based setting
• Ability to counsel clients on a variety of topics, including available resources, services, and care management tailored to individual needs
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to self-manage, multitask, and prioritize assigned work
• Knowledge of and respect for diversity, with the ability to adapt approach and communication accordingly
• Ability to think creatively to identify appropriate resources and determine the most effective assistance for clients’ individual needs
• Ability and willingness to learn and apply medical terminology and acronyms

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance

• Medical

  Dental

  Vision

  Life Insurance

  Arizona State Retirement System

  Health Savings Account

  Flexible Savings Account

  Paid Time Off

  Tuition Reimbursement