The organization I selected for the final project is the New York City Department for the Aging. One
of the client-facing roles used in the agency is the geriatric case manager. The responsibilities of the
position include evaluating the client’s health insurance benefits, developing the needed intervention
strategies, coordinating the proper support services, providing counseling for long-term care issues,
and referring clients to resources when necessary (New York City Department for the Aging, 2022).
Being a case manager is very important to the larger helping process as they follow many of the steps.
For example, when conducting an intake, the case manager needs to make sure that the client is
comfortable with them so that they can open up about their problems and the manager can better
assess the services the client needs. If the client is confined indoors due to the effects of aging, the case
manager would get them access to a meal delivery program and a program such as Friendly VOICES
to combat social isolation. The case manager then develops short and long term care strategies with
the client based on the available resources and information obtained during the intake. In this step, the
manager will refer the client to another helper and help facilitate communication between them. These
steps closely follow the steps of the initial meeting, exploring the problem, and developing
intervention strategies in the larger healing process.
The position to discuss is a Support Coordinator. In the agency, the SC is the two-way communication
between clients and all other professionals that the client may need. Their job is to manage the
person's life. The SC would help the client seek out community services. For example, the SC would
help clients obtain a community waiver if they want to participate in community activities like day
supports or live in sponsored placement or a supported living facility or apartment. The coordinator
would help facilitate the meetings and continue to be that two-way communication. The SC would
also help create a summary of the person's needs and how they need to be supported and help their
helpers understand the importance of the client living a peer-centered life.
The SC would help other professionals and helpers understand how to help this client reach the goals
they have set for themselves and how to help them be as independent as possible all of these supports
are what the clients have requested. Some are what would be necessary to keep that client safe.
It would also be the SC's responsibility to make sure those helping the individual are making sure the
client is getting regular health care checkups and any necessary medical care. The SC would ensure
they are working in alignment with the immediate needs of the individual and seek out any additional
services as they come.
A service coordinator's role is to manage and provides access to necessary community support and
case management services as needed and requested and develop programs and services that support
wellness.
Requirements and Skills:
Strong work ethic and service skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Stay up to date with services policies and regulations
Vital record-keeping and analytical skills.
References
Dmas.virginia.gov
Resourcesworkable.com
References
New York City Department for the Aging. (2022). In-home services. NYC Aging. Retrieved from
https://www.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/in-home-services.page
