Human Services Specialist, Registered Nurse

Nature of Work:

Professional work on behalf of senior and special needs citizens, and their family members. Involves extensive contact with the public, community organizations and agencies, and county and state personnel. Responsible for conducting an evaluation (STEPS/interRAI) in which nursing and/or social work skills are used to evaluate the health and psychosocial status of an adult (18+) who has been referred to Assessment, Evaluation and Review Services (AERS).

Enumerated duties and responsibilities are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level. They are not intended to include all essential functions.

Assess the needs and problems of seniors and special needs citizens and their families through personal interviews in the home or other appropriate location. Develop care plans that alleviate or minimize the impact of problem areas. Provide recommendations for the timely delivery of appropriate health, social and community resources for assigned clients and their families. Encourage clients to complete administrative applications and provide follow-up to ensure that services are rendered, and/or explore other options for resolution of problems. Interpret social service and aging program policies and procedures to clients and other persons making inquiries. Review client needs as required through in-home face-to-face interviews and adjust service levels as needed. Prepare comprehensive and accurate client records in accordance with pertinent regulations, submit statistical and other reports as needed.

Attend appropriate meetings on case management issues and in-service training as necessary to maintain professional standards and currency in resources pertinent to seniors. Make recommendations to improve programs, procedures and effectiveness of service delivery to target population. Provide assistance to callers seeking long-term care placement information. Observe confidentiality standards, maintain client files, collect and enter accurate statistical information on program activities using computerized systems. Report to the proper authorities in instances of abuse, financial exploitation and life-threatening conditions existing in long-term care facilities. Establish and maintain working relationships with long-term care facilities, state agencies and law enforcement agencies to facilitate working effectively on problems of the population served.

Education:

High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)
Associate degree in nursing

Experience:

Two or more years of experience in human services program areas. Considerable knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws regarding one of the following: regulations and standards pertaining to the various types of long-term care facilities; Medicare; Medical Assistance and related insurance programs. Considerable knowledge of the Older Americans Act, other laws, regulations and policies pertaining to specific senior programs. Considerable knowledge of human services systems, programs and benefits for older adults. Ability to express ideas clearly, both oral and in written. Skills in interviewing and counseling individuals and families; analyzing and interpreting client information; and making sound decisions. Ability to maintain accurate client records and statistical reports.

License or Certification:

Current Maryland license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications:

Home Visiting. Ability to work independently and travel throughout the county. Knowledge of community resources. Skills beyond a beginner level in data entry and Microsoft Office to include Word and Excel.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications can apply.
Send a completed County application or resume to:

Human Resources
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401

Fax to 410-222-4392 or email hdrecruiter@aacounty.org.