The role of Alzheimers Association Care and Support Specialist embedded in the Baylor AT&T Memory Center is responsible to provide support and education to patients and family members as it relates to the diagnosis of Alzheimers disease and/or related dementia diagnosis. Set in an office on the medical center site, patients and families are referred to the Care and Support Specialist directly upon diagnosis or medical appointments. Providing consultations and support, education and resources, the Care and Support Specialist ensures that each individual and their care partner receives a thorough understanding of Alzheimers/dementia supports and services available while also ensuring that related medical concerns are considered. In addition to individual and family care and support, the Care and Support Specialist will work with the Dallas & Northeast Texas Chapter to coordinate the community and professional education provided by the Alzheimers Association to ensure all families, physicians and health care professionals are provided the most current Alzheimers and dementia related information.
The Alzheimers Association Care and Support Specialist will possess assessment expertise, acute care planning, program and resource enhancement and excellent communication skills. This position must be able to work with diverse populations and challenging individuals and circumstances while maintaining a professional attitude and demeanor. Computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic health care data systems is required. Bi-lingual preferred.
- Conduct an assessment (Baylor Healthcare System assessment form) and create a social support care plan that complements medical care plan for patients and family member.
- Provide onsite dementia-related resources and care consultations to patients, care partners and family members.
- Refer individuals calling in from the community to the Alzheimers Association 24-Hour Helpline (1-800-272-3900) to receive dementia-related resources and care consultations.
- Plan, coordinate and implement dementia specific educational workshops and community presentations at the Baylor Memory Center for patients, caregivers, care partners and concerned family members using Alzheimers Association approved curricula.
- Conduct or coordinate a monthly class using the Alzheimers Association Family Caregiver curriculum which is open to all referrals and interested community members.
- Conduct or coordinate a monthly class using the Alzheimers Association Living with Alzheimers curricula which is open to all referrals and interested community members.
- Coordinate an Alzheimers Association support group for patients (early stage), care partners and family members providing a safe and open environment of care and support.
- Working with the patient and family, assist in planning and coordination of research options, as appropriate, using Trial Match and/or local research partnerships.
- Maintain all confidential reports and case notes using approved Baylor Healthcare System procedures and the Alzheimers Personify data management systems.
- Maintain all data records to support the creation of quantitative and qualitative outcomes to provide to supervising staff weekly.
- Assist to maintain a current referral and resource list for health agencies, services and supports that address Alzheimers disease and related dementia diagnosis.
- Ensure the Baylor AT&T Memory Center maintains an inventory of Alzheimers Association materials ready for distribution with each visit.
- Participate in any quality assurance, utilization review, and peer review programs with respect to care and support services by either organizations.
- Assist both organizations in meeting all applicable accreditation, licensing and Best Practice standards relating to care and support services. Participate as necessary in the accreditation and licensing survey processes.
- Maintain a strong and collaborative partnership with all Chapter staff by participating in the Dallas & Northeast Texas Chapter team activities (staff meetings, events etc.)
- Complete the new hire staff training provided by both the Alzheimers Association and Baylor Scott & White, meeting the specifications and requirements of both organizations.
- Train and manage approved volunteers as appropriate
- Minimum of 1 years experience working in a medical setting required
- Minimum 1 years of experience working with education programs and services
- Knowledge of community resources
- Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in a variety of community and professional presentation settings
- Knowledge about Alzheimers and related dementias
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Occupy office space in Baylor AT&T Memory Center
- Work from the Alzheimers Association Chapter office a minimum of one day per month depending on needs and assignments
- Travel by car to attend meetings or presentations
- Work may be stressful during periods of high volume or tight deadlines
- Weekend and evening work may be required to meet the needs of patient care partners and family members when approved by supervisor
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work effectively with patients and professionals
- Ability to work with external contacts to build and maintain successful relationships
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities
- Ability to anticipate, identify, organize and analyze growth opportunities
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing and electronically to a variety of audiences
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
- Ability to analyze information and make timely, appropriate decisions
- High level of integrity, diplomacy and initiative
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Ability to travel as needed to perform job duties
- Ability to operate designated office equipment