CARE NAVIGATOR na AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN ARKANSAS, INC.

Description

Why Join Us?

At AAAWA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping aging individuals remain in the comfort of their own homes, we are committed to providing high-quality care that promotes independence, dignity, and well-being. As a member of our team, you'll play an integral role in enhancing the lives of seniors and individuals with special needs, supporting them to live safely and comfortably at home. We value our employees and offer a supportive, team-oriented environment where you can grow professionally.

Benefits include:

Paid Training: Get paid while attending mandatory training sessions that will help you succeed and advance in your role.

Benefits: Receive up to 3% Employer match for your retirement account. Full-time employees eligible for insurance options.  

Competitive Pay: $15.00/hr. - $16.25/hr. dependent upon experience level. 

Paid Time Off: Generous PTO package that equates to 10 days in your first year, in addition to 8 paid holidays. 

Join us in making a difference and be part of an organization that truly cares about both its clients and its employees.

Job Title: Care Navigator

Location: Fort Smith, AR 

Department: Nursing

Reports To: Administrative Coordinator

Employment: Full-time 

Position Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Care Navigator to provide assistance to our clients through various programs including Veterans Directed Care (VDC), GUIDE, and others. You will provide ongoing case management, education, and advocacy to aging veterans and their caregivers, clients with Alzheimer’s diagnoses, and other in-need clients based on program requirements. You will assist with developing personalized plans, facilitating services, and assuring alignment with health and wellness goals, all while maintaining strong working relationships with the VA, healthcare providers, and other community agencies.  

Key Responsibilities

• Training & Knowledge Building: Participate in initial and ongoing training related to aging, neurodegenerative diseases, advance care planning, caregiving, and program procedures.
• Participant Assessments: Conduct initial assessments to identify needs, goals, risk factors, and appropriate support. Assist in selecting a representative when applicable.
• Care Planning: Develop and maintain individualized care plans—updated at least every 6 months—focused on reducing barriers to achieving health goals.
• Education & Empowerment: Support participants in self-direction, including hiring providers and managing required paperwork.
• Ongoing Communication: Maintain monthly phone or email check-ins and conduct quarterly in-home visits as required.
• Resource Sharing: Distribute educational materials and support tools aligned with each participant’s goals.
• Team Collaboration: Attend weekly interdisciplinary meetings to review cases and share resources.
• Screening & Monitoring: Use structured tools to assess safety, function, medication use, mental health, caregiver burden, and other care needs.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of interactions, assessments, and care plans in EMR systems per program guidelines.
• Budget Support: Coordinate with the VA and others to develop participant budgets and support effective fund management.
• Coordination of Care: Act as liaison between participants, caregivers, the VA, and providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Reporting & Compliance: Submit timely reports and documentation required for both the VDC and GUIDE programs.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as needed to support participants and overall program success.

Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, or similar field. Will accept minimum of three years of prior case management experience in combination with at minimum a High School Diploma (or equivalent) in lieu of Bachelor’s Degree. 

2. Proficient computer skills and ability to use and perform key functions of MS Office programs.

3. Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment. 

4. Prior experience working directly with veterans strongly preferred. 

5. Excellent organizational skills.

6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

7. Valid driver’s license.