CLASS CODE: 5754
PAY GRADE: 019

CLASS TITLE:CARES ASSESSOR

ALLOCATION FACTOR(S)

This is professional work performing medical and psychosocial assessments to determine the level of care requirements for elderly or disabled individuals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

(Note: The examples of work as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. Examples of work performed are not to be used for allocation purposes.)

  • Conducts comprehensive pre-admission screening and holistic assessment of individuals who apply for Medicaid reimbursed services either in an institutional or home-based setting in programs such as the Comprehensive Assessment, Review and Evaluation for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) Program.
  • Works with community, hospital and nursing home medical staff to collect medical documentation regarding elderly and disabled individuals' health conditions.
  • Consults with Senior CARES Assessor(s), Registered Nurse Specialist(s), Physician Consultants, and CARES supervisor with regard to appropriate level of care, placement recommendation and service care plan.
  • Counsels applicants and/or responsible parties concerning the array of long-term care alternatives.
  • Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team (physicians, nurses and other staff as required) in medical eligibility determinations under Title XIX of the Social Security Act of 1965.
  • Maintains contact with health care and social services agencies concerning the type and availability of home-based services.
  • Maintains accurate, up-to-date case recording notes on all active client files.
  • Conducts preliminary screening for mental illness and/or mental retardation for those individuals applying for the Institutional Care Program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

(Note: The knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions in the employing agency.)

  • Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing and analyzing evaluative data.
  • Knowledge of community resources as they relate to elderly and disabled clients.
  • Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
  • Knowledge of the aging process and the effects of chronic illness.
  • Ability to work with patients who have a variety of physical and emotional problems.
  • Ability to use problem-solving techniques.
  • Ability to interpret medical and psychological evaluations.
  • Ability to prepare written reports and assessments in a clear and concise manner.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in a health, social, rehabilitative or developmental disabilities program or in research, program analysis or evaluation, public administration or training.
  • A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of required experience.
  • Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-to-year basis for required college education.

EFFECTIVE:

5/24/2000

HISTORY: