Bilingual Central Intake Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Bilingual Central Intake Specialist conducts assessments and assists individuals and families with developing comprehensive plans of care that promote safe and independent living in the community. Assessments can be performed in several different locations to help meet the individual's unique needs. Discharge planning and providing options to support transitions from a community placement or hospital environment to the least restrictive setting are essential in ensuring the best outcome.

The Central Intake Specialist is a highly specialized expert skilled at assessing an individual’s circumstances, determining their needs, and recommending appropriate services along the continuum of care. The Bilingual Central Intake Specialist is typically the first person in the agency to see an individual, often in an acute situation, and therefore must be incredibly resourceful in developing initial service plans. Due to the highly specialized nature of the position and the time constraints, this person does not carry a caseload. The Bilingual Central Intake Specialist will work with case management teams to promptly implement the plan of care. Finally, the Bilingual Central Intake Specialist will be highly knowledgeable regarding the services and programs Central Boston Elder Services and the community offer. They will also provide support and education to individuals, families, and community partners regarding services, resources, and the appropriate referral process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Complete visits to homes, hospitals, and other community facilities as referrals are assigned; discharge planning may be completed telephonically for referrals outside of the CBES catchment area when appropriate.
2. Conduct comprehensive interviews to identify goals, needs, and barriers to successfully remain (or return) to the community, including evaluating formal and informal supports available to the individual and the environment in which the individual intends to reside.
3. Complete appropriate assessments across the spectrum of programs offered by CBES, including but not limited to the Home Care Programs and MassHealth Programs such as Group Adult Foster Care.
4. Develop comprehensive plans of care with the individual and other family, friends, and community partners that incorporate that individual’s preferences and right to self-determination with full consideration given to the availability of resources.
   
5. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team comprised of CBES staff and community partners, including but not limited to nursing facility staff, to ensure the safety and appropriateness of care plans and approval when appropriate.
   1. Make all necessary referrals to ensure the timely implementation of initial services and coordinate with care management teams to ensure the handoff of long-term responsibilities.
   2. Complete all data entry and documentation as required by EOEA and CBES policy and procedures.
   3. Continually develop and hone skills to advocate for consumers in various situations.
   4. Must attain Certified Application Counselor status from Massachusetts Health Connector.
   5. Report suspected elder abuse as required by CBES policy.
   6. Report suspected Fraud, Waste, and Abuse of resources as CBES policy requires.
   7. Protect consumers’ Personal Health Information (PHI) and report any suspected security breaches by HIPAA regulations.
   8. Perform all services by state and federal regulations, funding guidelines, and CBES policies and procedures.
   9. Other duties as assigned.

   QUALIFICATIONS:

   1. Must have demonstrated strong assessment skills.
   2. Effective client advocacy skills and the ability to empower elders and those with people with disabilities in improving the quality of their lives.
   3. ASAP and EOEA documentation experience preferred.
   4. Knowledge of Home Care and health programs, as well as other community resources and basic knowledge of gerontological issues preferred.
   5. Strong written, interpersonal, and presentation skills that convey a positive attitude and build relationships with clients and coworkers in an urban, multi-ethnic and racially diverse environment.
   6. Must be organized and detail-oriented, possess strong time management and priority-setting skills with the ability to handle diverse responsibilities and to work independently with minimal supervision.
   7. Must be capable of working with high independence, using sound judgment to anticipate and resolve issues as they arise.
   8. Strong computer knowledge, proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, and proficiency in typing.
   9. Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment.
   10. A natural disposition to be flexible and collaborate unselfishly in a team-oriented organization.
   11. Fluency in one of the following foreign languages strongly preferred: Spanish.

   EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

   1. Bilingual Central Intake Specialist must be fully fluent verbally and in one of the following foreign languages: Spanish, Russian, Somalian, Chinese, Haitian/Creole, or Portuguese Creole.

   2. A bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, human services, nursing, psychology, sociology, or a related field OR

   3. A bachelor’s degree in another discipline with demonstrated experience and/or strong interest in human services via previous employment.

   4. Two years of experience preferred in case management, service coordination, outreach or advocacy, discharge planning, and/or Community Housing Options.

   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

   • Ability to lift and carry objects frequently weighing 10 to 15 pounds.
   • Ability to climb stairs.
   • Ability to travel to the community to visit consumers’ homes.
   • Work requires regularly standing, stooping, and bending.