GERO Specialist (Wake, Harnett, and Johnston Counties) at Vaya Health

LOCATION:  Remote – must live in or near Wake, Harnett, or Johnston County, North Carolina.  Must have ability to travel to these counties as needed.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

This position is a part of the Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team (GAMHST) that is an initiative through the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services and is responsible for overseeing operations using the set of Division of MHDDSUS Program Requirements that specifically outline the work of this team. 

The Geriatric Team Specialist is responsible for working collaboratively with the other members of the team in providing training, consultation, and technical assistance to recipients. Recipients are various community organizations (i.e., senior centers, faith-based organizations, law enforcement and other 1st responders, adult day, department of social services, homeless shelters, and senior meal programs), and staff of nursing homes, adult care homes, family care homes serving adults with mental illness. Vaya Health requires that consultation be provided to individual caregivers of older adults who are experiencing behavioral health concerns through an integrated health approach. The goal is to reduce the need for more intensive services including and up to psychiatric hospitalization. Referrals are accepted from community partners and internal staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Participate as Member of Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team:

• Work independently and collaboratively to develop and teach evidence informed presentations about a variety of mental illnesses and how to manage difficult behaviors, as well as, how to navigate the behavioral health system to the above-mentioned agencies. 
• Provide education and linkage to services for caregivers of older adults who are providing care for individuals in the community. 
• Documentation of daily activities is essential. This information is used to complete internal data requests/reports and Division of MHDDSUS reports by their respective due dates.
• Provide education to staff and caregivers at locations previously mentioned on various topics relevant to older adults with mental illness and substance use as detailed in Program Requirements (i.e., mental health and substance use disorders, person-centered thinking, crisis prevention and de- escalation, understanding the LME/MCO system, suicide response, effective communication). Provide case specific support to staff and caregivers regarding behaviors and an awareness of symptoms that may result in the need for more intensive services including and up to psychiatric hospitalization. 
  • Documentation in electronic health record is required.
• Observe and model for staff and caregivers’ appropriate techniques to prevent crisis situations or psychiatric hospitalizations.
• Provide marketing to agencies within scope of Program Requirements that are not receiving education or support through the team.
• Respond to community needs/requests as appropriate.
• Meet with supervisor on a regular basis for ongoing employee support.
• Participate in meetings with regional team, whole team, department, agency as requested/needed.
• Participate in professional development training as requested.

Other Duties as Assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & ABILITIES

• Ability to provide instruction and establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and caregivers as defined above
• Knowledge of governmental, private organizations and resources in the community and an innate drive to innovate and optimize the use of these.
• Knowledge of policies which govern the GAMHST program (which are the Division of MH/DD/SUS Program Requirements)
• Ability to express ideas clearly/concisely.
• Ability to drive and sit for extended periods of time (including in rural areas)
• Represent Vaya in a professional manner.
• An ability to initiate and build relationships with people in an open, friendly, and accepting manner.
• Ability to take ownership of projects from planning through execution.
• Strong attention to detail and superior organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize to manage multiple projects on tight timelines.
• Ability to understand the strategic direction and goals of the department and support appropriate processes to facilitate achievement of business objectives.
• Well-developed capabilities in problem solving and crafting efficient processes.
• A result and success-oriented mentality, conveying a sense of urgency and driving issues to closure.
• Comfort with adapting and adjusting to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity, and rapid change.
• Proficiency Microsoft Office proficiency, to include Excel, data analysis, and secondary research.
• Have an understanding of adult learning styles and the ability to demonstrate these styles in order to provide effective training to a variety of people.  
• Have experience in presenting/teaching/speaking in front of an audience

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in a field related to health, psychology, sociology, social work or another relevant human services area required.  Must have at two (2) years of post-bachelor’s, full time experience with individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders is required. At least one of those years’ experience must be working with older adults with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparation and analysis of documents; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading. 
• Physical activity in this position includes crouching, reaching, walking, talking, hearing and repetitive motion of hands, wrists and fingers. 
• Sedentary work with lifting requirements up to 10 pounds, sitting for extended periods of time. 
• Mental concentration is required in all aspects of work.
• Ability to drive and sit for extended periods of time (including in rural areas).

SALARY: Depending on qualifications & experience of candidate. This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation. 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Open Until Filled

APPLY: Vaya Health accepts online applications in our Career Center, please visit https://www.vayahealth.com/about/careers/.

Vaya Health is an equal opportunity employer.