Geriatric Adult Specialty Team (QP)-Remote Option

Primary Purpose of Position: The primary duty of this position is to provide formal training and education to community organizations that may include Adult Care Homes, Family Care Homes, Nursing Homes, Adult Day Programs, Senior Centers, Faith Based Organizations, Home Health Agencies, Home Care Agencies, Meals on Wheels Programs, Veterans Affairs, Departments of Social Services, and Law Enforcement/Judicial System staff/caregivers that serve geriatric or adult residents with geriatric like needs that may have mental illness and/or Dementia. The goal is to build community awareness and skills for addressing the unique needs of these individuals. This position is based in the assigned counties within Partners’ catchment area. 

Goal of GAST Program: To increase the ability of people working in community agencies/organizations in providing services and support to older adults with mental health, substance use issues, and/or dementia. 

Role and Responsibilities:  

• 65% In-Service Training/Marketing: Provide training and education to long-term care facility staff and community stakeholders providing care to adults with mental illness age 60 years and older and adults under the age of 60 who have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Work with team lead to develop marketing and training assignments. Meet monthly with team and individually as needed to discuss work assignments and ensure marketing efforts to long term care facilities and community agencies not receiving GAST services. Complete and submit monthly and quarterly reports to team lead. Work with larger GAST unit to address needs of aging population and ensure current education on integrated care and tailored plan operations. Participate in Community Engagement Departmental meetings as well as Partners staff engagements in addition to any internal committees required.  
• 15% Community Resources/Agency Collaboration: Will provide input into annual needs assessment. Will collaborate with community agencies as needed, including Department of Social Services, Senior Center, Life Enrichment, and other GAST Teams in N.C. Will participate in any requested MCO meetings or events as assigned by supervisor. Will market GAST specific services to community stakeholders. 
• 10% Continuing Education/Cooperative Efforts: Attendance at required LME/MCO training and annual updates, staff meetings and professional development classes.  
• 10% Other Duties: Other duties as assigned, including maintenance and care of audio-visual equipment used for training. Will establish and maintain effective working relationships within the unit and demonstrate tact and diplomacy in working with contract providers and other community partners. Maintain documents for GAST Program as assigned by supervisor. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Extensive knowledge of psychopharmacology, behavioral health needs within geriatric and adult population, potential for crisis issues, confidentiality laws and program protocols/policies
• Extensive knowledge of N.C. Mental Health Laws, Regulations and of Partners operations
• Knowledge and understanding of managed care and tailored plan and impact on population served
• Knowledge of resource information and ability to identify ongoing training resources for caregiver staff
• Strong and extensive skills in computer functions required for the position and standard office software
• Must be proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
• Ability to provide training and education to staff and caregivers on topics relevant to younger adults that have geriatric like needs and mental illness
• Ability to provide non-case specific consultation with caregiver staff regarding behaviors of consumers
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, facility staff and other LME/MCO staff, and to provide individualized technical support and education as needed
• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently and as a part of a team
• Must be very flexible 
• Knowledge of geriatric individuals needs both medically and mentally

Education and Experience Required:  

• Bachelor’s degree and at least three (3) years of documented experience working with older adults with mental illness.

 OR 

• Master’s Degree in a Human Services field and at least two (2) years of documented experience working with older adults with mental illness.  

Other requirements: Two (2) years of documented experience providing educational trainings.  Must qualify as a mental health qualified professional.  Must have ability to travel as needed to perform job duties.