Veteran-Directed Care Social Work Internship

Reports to: Assigned Field Instructor

FLSA Status: Internship

Dedicate yourself to an Organization and Mission you can be proud of by joining the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging!

Our Mission:

We provide choices for people to live independently in the place they want to call home.

About Us:

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) is a private non-profit corporation, organized and designated by the State of Ohio to be the planning, coordinating and administrative agency for federal and state aging programs in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties. It is one of twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state organized together with local service provider organizations and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) to form the state's public aging services network. The network works together to create opportunities for older Ohioan's to receive needed home and community services and supports; and to age successfully in their own homes and communities.

Candidates we love…

• Self-motivated and compassionate professionals looking to be part of a Best-in Class organization
• Team players who are committed to providing superior service to all they serve
• Enthusiastic professionals excited to grow with an organization that values dedication, innovation and collaboration.

Position Summary: The Veteran-Directed Care Social Work Intern gains supervised experience supporting Veterans, caregivers and authorized representatives in a self-directed, person-centered service model. The placement emphasizes engagement, assessment, individualized planning, care coordination, community resources, documentation, advocacy and collaboration with program partners.

Job Duties:

Veteran Engagement and Person-Centered Assessment

• Observe and assist with in-person, telephone or virtual interactions with Veterans, caregivers and authorized representatives.
• Help gather information about strengths, preferences, goals, daily support needs, informal supports, risks and barriers.
• Assist with initial and ongoing person-centered assessments and reassessments under supervision.
• Support informed decision-making, dignity, independence and Veteran choice.

Individualized Planning and Budget Education

• Observe development and review of individualized spending plans.
• Learn how assessed needs, personal goals, authorized budgets, services, workers and purchases are reflected in a spending plan.
• Assist with organizing supporting information, routine plan updates and status tracking.
• Help reinforce approved education about self-direction, budget management, participant responsibilities and employer responsibilities.

Care Coordination and Ongoing Support

• Assist with routine follow-up through approved home visits, telephone calls, virtual contacts or other methods.
• Support coordination among Veterans, caregivers, direct care workers, community providers, Fiscal Management Services and Veterans Affairs Medical Center partners.
• Help identify service gaps, barriers, changing needs and community resources for supervisor review.
• Assist with emergency back-up planning and resource research.

Veteran Advocacy and Collaboration

• Support Veteran choice, independence, dignity, safety and community inclusion.
• Help Veterans and caregivers understand approved program information, rights, responsibilities and available resources.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, program trainings and interdisciplinary learning as appropriate.
• Collaborate professionally with internal staff and external program partners.

Documentation, Quality and Program Support

• Draft progress notes, contact records, assessment information and program documents for supervisor review.
• Enter and validate information in approved electronic case-management or health-record systems based on assigned access.
• Maintain organized records and protect confidential information.
• Assist with audits, quality assurance, data tracking, resource updates and process-improvement projects

Supervision and Educational Support

• Regular supervision with a designated supervisor, including assignment review, documentation review, ethical consultation and professional development.
• Orientation to agency policies, confidentiality, safety, documentation standards, technology and program expectations.
• Opportunities for observation, guided practice, case discussion, interdisciplinary learning and progressive responsibility.
• Coordination with the educational institution regarding the learning agreement, evaluations, required hours and field education expectations.
• Immediate consultation with a supervisor for client safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, privacy concerns, urgent needs or ethical issues.