Tribal Dementia Care Specialist (DCS)
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Non-Exempt
Employment Status:
Limited Term (Grant Funded)
Supervisors Title:
Human Services Manager
Position Summary:
The Tribal Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) works in partnership with Tribal Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), and other agencies in the Tribal Community Service Areas to ensure that individuals receive culturally appropriate information and services.
Essential Functions:
The Dementia Care Specialist develops, implements and updates an individual plan of care with a focus on supporting interests, independence and well-being. The Dementia Care Specialist will be responsible for implementation of care plans within a caring, supportive and safe environment.
The Primary Goal of the Tribal DCS are to:
- Facilitate Dementia Friendly Community
- Train Staff of Tribal Entities to be Dementia Capable
- Support persons with dementia to be as independent as possible
- Support family members and caregivers of those diagnosed with Dementia
Dementia Care Specialist Job Duties:
- Collaborates with Information and assistance staff in the identification of individuals and families dealing with dementia
- Engage in marketing and outreach to inform Tribal leadership, Tribal health systems, Tribal Members, and the general community about services available through the Tribal DCS.
- Provide information and assistance to people with dementia and their caregivers regarding topics including, but not limited to:
- Information and education about dementia, communication strategies, and safety considerations.
- Assistance with advanced and ongoing care planning.
- Referral to support groups, respite care providers, memory cafes, research opportunities, and other community resources.
- Provide memory screens in accordance with the memory screening manual published by the Department of Health Services (DHS)
- Offer and provide person-centered follow-up when screens are positive and assure opportunities for support and follow-up with primary care provider are available in accordance to individual’s preferences
- Provide information, assistance and options counseling in homes, phone and other community locations as requested by members or family
- Provide short-term service coordination to assist individuals and families with immediate needs, to the extend funding allows
- Partner with local ADRCs and community organizations to create a dementia-friendly Tribe and community, including enhancing relationships with health and long-term care systems, health care professionals, emergency responders, mental health systems, crisis teams, schools and other community organizations and businesses
- Maintain knowledge and familiarity of dementia, research findings, new evidence-based interventions for people living with dementia and their families
- The Tribal Nation will participate in data reporting and sharing as requested by DHS. Data will be used collaboratively by DHS and the Tribal Nation to better understand the quality, effectiveness, cost, or other aspects of the services provided. Minimum data reporting requirements include:
- Enter and maintain customer records and case notes, as well as document all outreach activities, using the state-supported client tracking system (PeerPlace) on a daily basis.
- 100% Time and Task reporting for Federal Medicaid administrative claiming, to be completed:
- Daily for Tribal Dementia Care Specialists, either via the Time & Task Worksheet, or via “PeerPlace”
- Monthly for Tribal Fiscal and Compliance office via monthly expenditure report on DMT Electronic Form F-00642, due by the 15th day of the following month as specified in the GEARS Processing and Payment Schedule.
- Annual Workplan and Year-End Summary Reports to be submitted to DCS program manager, via email (DHSBADRDCS@dhs.wisconsin.gov) annually by October 1st or within 3 months or hire date for a new Tribal DCS.
- Any other duties assigned by supervisor
Note: The essential functions are intended to describe the general contents of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented as outlined by the incumbent’s immediate manager.
Type of Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Directly Reporting to: Human Services Director
Matrix of INDIRECT Reporting: St. Croix Tribal Council
Scope and Complexity:
Interacts with all levels of management and employees; often trusted with maintaining confidentiality and relaying highly sensitive information, and appropriate application of business operations and practices.
Physical Demands/Environment Factors: Blend of typical office environment and off-site work: (Accountant, Administrative Assistant, Consultant, And Program Manager) – Examples listed below:
- Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.
- May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Requires significant use of personal computer, phone and general office equipment.
- Needs adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects.
- Need ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on the telephone.
- May require off-site travel.
Minimum Qualifications:
- The Tribal DCS must meet the following requirements for education and experience*:
- A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or a license to practice as a registered nurse in Wisconsin pursuant to s. 441.06, and;
- The equivalent of at least one year of full-time experience in a health or human service field, working with people living with dementia and/or family caregivers, with whom the Tribal DCS is not related. Qualifying work experience may be paid or unpaid, including internships, field placements, and volunteer work.
- Expertise and knowledge regarding older adults, dementia and support
- Skills and expertise in facilitating small group learning and discussion programs
- Basic to Intermediate understanding of Native American Health systems
- Requires basic to intermediate level of computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, online data management systems, Etc.)
- Must have demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees, managers, colleagues, and all outside entities
- Valid Wisconsin state driver’s license
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Requires effective presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
- Commitment to timeliness and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications:
- Documented experience working with Native American Tribal Organizations
- Experience working with Tribal Elders and/or understanding of Elders’ roles in Native American Communities
- Experience working with Tribal Governments, Tribal Organizations and/or non-profit agencies.
- Ability to work independently
Native American Preference Given in Accordance with P.L. 93-638 and Amendments.
*Please note that a job offer is conditional based on the candidate meeting all necessary criteria required determined by Department and Human Resources.