Elder Abuse Victim Advocate I

For more than 50 years, Wise & Healthy Aging has served older adults at every stage of life. We offer a wide range of services for older adults from pre-retirement through elder years, as well as services for caregivers and their families, and we work closely with other senior services and community organizations that share our passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of older adults. Wise & Healthy Aging has received numerous designations of excellence from GuideStar and GREATNONPROFITS and is nationally certified as a Great Place to Work.

We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. For staff who regularly work 30 or more hours per week, benefits include the employer pays up to 80% of health insurance, 100% company-paid dental, 401(k) plan with competitive employer match, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), optional life and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays plus generous paid time off (PTO).

Wise & Healthy Aging currently has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Elder Abuse Advocate for the Holistic Elder Abuse Response Team (HEART) . The HEART supports older and dependent adults experiencing mistreatment by providing case management, linkage to services, health system navigation, legal advocacy, and courtroom accompaniment. A portion of this position will support the APS Center of Excellence, LA County Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT consists of medical and mental health service providers, law enforcement, and legal professionals tasked with developing recommendations and coordinating services for individuals experiencing elder and dependent adult abuse.

This role provides important and meaningful support to vulnerable adults seeking assistance with accessing resources and recovering from abuse. Supervised hours toward clinical social work licensure may be provided. Ongoing professional development and training is provided on topics related to aging and effective intervention.

I. POSITION GOAL

Provide field-based clinical case management, counseling, and victim advocacy to survivors of elder and dependent adult abuse.

II. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Holistic Elder Abuse Response Team (HEART) and APS Center of Excellence

- Provide field-based case management to elder and dependent adult abuse survivors, primarily in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley and other areas of Los Angeles County.

- Conduct announced and unannounced visits to clients' homes as part of the provision of service to clients.

- Provide individual and group counseling to elder and dependent adult abuse survivors.

- Receive and respond to referrals of elder or dependent adult abuse from Adult Protective Services, Police Departments, and other referral sources.

- Conduct in-home biopsychosocial assessments of elder/dependent adult abuse survivors.

- Provide care coordination and advocacy for elder/dependent adult survivors of abuse, including crisis abatement, safety planning, provision of basic needs such as nutrition and housing, and linkages to additional necessary services.

- Collaborate with clients to develop short and long-term care plans using a strength-based approach.

- Accompany and, if necessary, arrange transportation for elder abuse survivors to criminal justice offices and court proceedings.

- Assist elder abuse survivors in completing paperwork for restraining orders and attending hearings, as necessary.

- Assist survivors in filing for victim compensation.

- Provide outreach and education about elder and dependent adult abuse to consumers and service providers in the community.

- Participate in case discussions at weekly multidisciplinary meetings with legal, social service, and health professionals, including law enforcement and protective services.

- Familiarize yourself with city and county agencies that are part of the elder abuse intervention network, as well as secondary agencies that can provide support to elder abuse survivors.

- Collaborate with local agencies to provide enhanced services to survivors of elder crime.

- Maintain tracking of program activities and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting for internal and external reporting.

III. SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide wraparound services to elder abuse survivors placed in Adult Protective Services shelter beds.

- Provide wraparound services to elder abuse survivors placed in long-term care facilities.

- May provide supervision to social worker interns.

IV. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

- Ability to provide clinical field-based geriatric case management, therapy, and legal system advocacy to elder/depend adult abuse survivors.

- Ability to provide individual counseling to elder and dependent adult abuse survivors.

III. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education Requirements

- Bachelors degree in social work, human services or related field. Masters degree in Social Work or Gerontology preferred.

B. Experience Requirements

- A minimum of two years of experience in social work, gerontology, or related fields.

- Professional experience providing case management and advocacy.

- Professional experience in working with victims and aging adults.

- Knowledge of, experience with, and ability to assess law enforcement and victim assistance programs.

C. Other Requirements

- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook.

- Ability to interface and relate well with the public, all levels of staff, and other professionals.

- Reliable transportation.

- Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred

Please provide three work related references.

IV. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee may enter premises during field visits that may be environmentally challenging, including but not limited to environments with cigarette smoke, bed bugs, dust, and other allergens.

This is a hybrid position and housed at the Van Nuys Ombudsman Office. Frequent travel throughout Los Angeles County is required.