TITLE: ASSESSMENT WORKER I ‑ LONG TERM CARE ACCESS (LTCA)
DEFINITION: Under the supervision of an Assessment Supervisor in Long Term Care Access, this position is responsible for the assessment utilizing the FED (Functional Eligibility Determination) tool to determine a level of care determination, and limited follow-up of individuals age 18 and over who seek Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), admission to a nursing home, personal care home, or domiciliary care home.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
· Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related behavioral science or Master's degree in Social Work or related field.
Experience:
· Minimum of three years social work experience, preferably in the areas of aging, community health, nursing home or hospital discharge planning
· No experience necessary for master’s degree applicants.
Professional Characteristics:
● Well organized with high energy level.
● Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to quickly acquire needed knowledge and manage a high volume of clientele and paperwork with attention to productivity.
● High level of flexibility.
Additional Requirements:
● Valid driver's license, good driving record and access to a fully insured car.
● Drug testing.
● Criminal history clearance.
● Second language abilities preferred.
GOALS:
To provide each applicant with an expeditious, comprehensive assessment with a resultant recommendation of level of care and locus of care provided in the least restrictive available program or facility.
The Assessment Worker I maintain the highest level of professional ethics, continually seeking opportunities for increased knowledge, growth, and development within guidelines of departmental coverage and funding.
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:
a. Successfully complete Pennsylvania Individualized Assessment (PIA) and Functional Eligibility Determination (FED) training along with other required training to become certified to administer the assessment tool to applicants.
b. Maintain individual electronic work schedule in the Long Team Care Access Management System (LMS) by placing scheduled assessments in an Assessors individual schedule from the unassigned list as well as adding appropriate blocks in schedule when unavailable.
c. Complete a daily quota of 5 or 6 FED’s that is determined by the Director of Assessment dependent on the workload of the department. The financial screening tools for applicants seeking Nursing Home, Personal Care Home, Domiciliary placement, or Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Community based programs of Pennsylvania Department of Aging include OPTIONS, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Community Health Choices (CHC)Waiver and Living Independently for Elders (LIFE) as well as additional programs not available through PCA, including ACT 150.
d. Appropriately administer the FED through a thorough interview based on consumer answers and information received from the consumer’s physician, family, friends, and referral source per the applicant's preferences. Consults with Assessment Supervisor as necessary.
e. Evaluate the availability and appropriateness of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) or facilities to best meet applicant's needs and makes the most appropriate, least restrictive, locus of care decision with consideration of applicant's preferences.
f. Refer applicants to appropriate Home and Community Based Services or make requests to add applicants to programs waiting list if one exists.
g. Refer eligible applicants for home delivered meals who are awaiting services such as CHC Waiver or Options services or those who prefer meals only.
h. Complete the Pre-admission Screening/Annual Resident Review (PASARR) process for individuals identified with Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, or other related disability as required by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA).
i. Conduct standardized Department of Human Services Medical Assistance financial application forms for applicants in the community who want to be relocate to a Nursing Home Facility.
j. . Input and maintain data in Oracle, LMS and PIA automated system on a timely. Accurately completes reconciliation reports for all assessments completed.
k. Upload completed and required assessment related forms to their Consumer Mobile Upload (CMU) folder located in the Docushare filing system.
l. Interface with all PCA Long Term Care programs, providers, and referral sources in a professional and cooperative manner.
m. Successfully complete yearly ongoing Assessor training and other required training to maintain certification.
n. Attend staff, team, and in-service meetings on a monthly basis and other trainings, or meetings as required.
o. Participate in on-going problem solving, program evaluation and development with team and all staff.
p. Represent agency and program policies, procedures and objectives to applicants, referral sources, providers, and the public.
q. Performsother duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE:
Examples of performance measures:
● Accuracy and thorough use of assessment tools.
● Timeliness and accuracy of level/locus of care decisions.
● Successfully complete ongoing Assessor training.
● Timeliness and accuracy of DHS financial applications.
● Accuracy and completeness of data entry.
● Ability to explain HCBS and other long-term care alternatives to applicants and their families.
Customers:
● Disabled individuals over the age of 18.
● Older persons and families.
● Agencies and institutions.
● General public.
(rev. 1/23)