Case Managment Intern - Social ServicesAt — Meals on Wheels Orange County

Case Management Intern

(This is an unpaid internship)

Meals on Wheels Orange County is the largest nonprofit provider of nutrition and supportive services for at-risk older adults. It is committed to erasing hunger and loneliness for at-risk older adults through nutritious meals, friendly visits and supportive services. Through its critical services, the organization delivers nearly 800,000 meals to 10,000 at-risk older adults each year throughout Central and North Orange County.

Case Management Internship Summary

This intern position is designed to give an interested college student professional and practical experience in the field of aging services and case management. The intern will participate in the coordination of a customized care plans for frail, at-risk elderly seniors with-in the designated Orange County service area.  The care plans meet the individual's needs by providing referrals and services that enhance functioning and assists the client in living independently in their home.

Basic Qualifications

Intern candidate must be a part-time or full-time college student enrolled in a four-year college program and following a course of study leading to a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Aging Studies, Sociology, Psychology or other related field of study. The intern will represent Meals on Wheels Orange County and must conduct themselves in a professional manner.

The intern candidate must:

• have effective written, verbal and organizational skills and work well in a team environment virtually and in person.
• have the ability to understand verbal communication and respond effectively.
• meet strict deadlines and attention to detail.
• use good judgement and ask questions when in doubt to solve problems.
• understand the specialized needs encountered by elderly seniors and the ability to assess and respond appropriately.
• have a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation with proof of insurance and pass a Criminal Background Check.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a Case Manager and as directed by the Manager of Case Management, the intern will:

• gain deeper awareness and understanding of client-centered need assessments, identifying problems and establish goals.  
• research, arrange and coordinate a network of supportive services consist with the mutually developed care plan.
• monitor, evaluate and document effects of services in meeting goals.
• maintain required records and reports in compliance with department, agency, local, State and Federal requirements.
• assist in developing community resources and maintain a current directory of services pertinent to the needs of the senior population.
• accompany a Case Manager to represent the agency at county and agency meetings at the discretion of the Manager of Case Management.
• participate in scheduled team meetings.
• screen incoming referrals for program eligibility and make appropriate referrals as needed.
• accompany and assist during client’s in-home initial and subsequent assessments and reviews.
• document assessment findings, complete client case notes and update client file, as needed, to capture client improvements and/or deficiencies in condition and identify intervention and care plan.
• participate in outreach efforts.
• practice safe operating procedures at all times and take necessary steps to help ensure a safe work environment.
• perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

The Intern will be required to accompany Case Manager on client in-home visits and provide their own transportation. In addition, the Intern must be able to:

• Constantly remain in a stationary position or traverse locations.
• Constantly operate equipment, computers, or tools.
• Constantly extend body, arms or hands as needed to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
• Occasionally ascend/descend and position self as needed to complete essential duties and responsibilities.
• Constantly speak, communicate, interpret or exchange information accurately.
• Constantly perceive objects over moderate or long distances, with or without accommodation.
• Occasionally move, transport, and positions object weighing up to 50 pounds.

 Tasks:

•Interact with clients over the phone and at the client’s home to provide organizational information and screen for program eligibility.
•Provide client with community resources to address their identified needs.
•Conduct comprehensive initial and follow-up client assessments including nutritional risk, ADL/IADLs, demographics, medical/mental condition and history, living arrangement, finances, social support and access to nutritional meals.
•Document findings, complete case notes and maintain an active client file in compliance with California Department of Aging policies.
•Participate in community outreach event to promote the organizations various programs.
•Participate in weekly Case Management meeting and one-on-one sessions with the supervising Case Manager.
•To consult and problem solve complex client situations, processes and challenges as a member of the Case Management team.
•Provide excellent customer service and positively represent the organization.

Training:

The student will participate in general introductory training and organizational overview. The student will be assigned to a supervising Case Manager who will provide hands on training in all things pertaining to Case Management including firsthand interactions with clients in their homes. The student will be trained and mentored in the completion of in-person and telephone assessments, the development of comprehensive client-centered care plans, the management of client case files and reporting processes. The student will shadow the supervising Case Manager and other Case Management team members to gain a broader perspective of various methods of client care. The supervising Case Manager will, in turn, shadow the student during client interactions and be available for consult as needed to assure an effective learning experience. The student and supervising Case Manager with have weekly one-on-one meetings and the student may participate in weekly Case Manager team meetings. The student will be provided with a copy of the department’s Case Management Manual for reference to procedures and protocols. The student will be trained to use CXM/ServTracker case management software. The Manager of Case Management will provide overall management and meet individually with the student to assure a beneficial experience.

Learning Outcome:

1. Professional and practical experience in the field of aging services and case management.
2. The ability to coordinate customized care plans for frail, at-risk elderly seniors.
3. Deeper awareness and understanding of client-centered need assessments, identifying problems and establish goals.
4. The ability to research, arrange and coordinate a network of supportive services.
5. General knowledge of record keeping and reporting practices for nonprofits receiving local, state and federal funding.