Elder Abuse Victim Advocate I

Wise & Healthy Aging currently has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Elder Abuse Victim Advocate I for the Holistic Elder Abuse Response Team (HEART) . The HEART supports older and dependent adults experiencing mistreatment by providing individual and group counseling, case management, and legal advocacy. If you want to join a great team, we offer a competitive salary and an exceptional benefits package. For employees who regularly work 30 or more hours per week, benefits include 80% company-paid medical, 100% company-paid dental, life, and vision (optional), 401(k) plan with competitive employer match, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 14 paid holidays, plus a generous paid time off (PTO) plan.

POSITION GOAL

Provide field-based clinical case management, counseling, and victim advocacy to survivors of elder and dependent adult abuse.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Holistic Elder Abuse Response Team (HEART) and APS Center of Excellence Provide clinical field-based case management to elder and dependent adult abuse survivors throughout Los Angeles County. Conduct announced and unannounced visits to clients' homes as part of the provision of service to clients. Provide individual and group counseling to elder and dependent adult abuse survivors. Receive and respond to referrals of elder or dependent adult abuse from Adult Protective Services, Police Departments, and other referral sources. Conduct in-home biopsychosocial assessments of elder/dependent adult abuse survivors. Provide care coordination and advocacy for elder/dependent adult survivors of abuse, including crisis abatement, safety planning, provision of basic needs such as nutrition and housing, and linkages to additional necessary services. Collaborate with clients to develop short and long-term care plans using a strength-based approach. Accompany and, if necessary, arrange transportation for elder abuse survivors to criminal justice offices and court proceedings. Assist elder abuse survivors in completing paperwork for restraining orders and attending hearings, as necessary. Assist survivors in filing for victim compensation. Provide outreach and education about elder and dependent adult abuse to consumers and service providers in the community. Participate in case discussions at weekly multidisciplinary meetings with legal, social service, and health professionals, including law enforcement and protective services. Familiarize yourself with city and county agencies that are part of the elder abuse intervention network, as well as secondary agencies that can provide support to elder abuse survivors. Collaborate with local agencies to provide enhanced services to survivors of elder crime. Maintain tracking of program activities and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting for internal and external reporting.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide wraparound services to elder abuse survivors placed in Adult Protective Services shelter beds. Provide wraparound services to elder abuse survivors placed in long-term care facilities. May provide supervision to social worker interns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Ability to provide clinical field-based geriatric case management, therapy, and legal system advocacy to elder/depend adult abuse survivors. Ability to provide individual counseling to elder and dependent adult abuse survivors.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education Requirements Master's degree in social work. B. Experience Requirements A minimum of two years of experience in social work, gerontology, or related fields. Professional experience providing case management and advocacy. Professional experience in working with victims and aging adults. Knowledge of, experience with, and ability to assess law enforcement and victim assistance programs. C. Other Requirements Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook. Ability to interface and relate well with the public, all levels of staff, and other professionals. Reliable transportation. Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee may enter premises during field visits that may be environmentally challenging, including but not limited to environments with cigarette smoke, bed bugs, dust, and other allergens. This position is housed at the Van Nuys Office of Wise & Healthy Aging. Frequent travel throughout Los Angeles County is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wise-