Education and Outreach Specialist

Job Summary:

The Education and Outreach Specialist will report to the Manager of Transition and Diversion Services and will work collaboratively with the NYAIL Open Doors Training and Outreach Coordinator. The Education and Outreach Specialist will provide trainings and outreach for area nursing homes, Independent Living Centers and community provider staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

Job Duties:

• As a representative of CDR, be committed in all that you do to support, perpetuate, and model the CDR Mission. 
• Complete training with the NYAIL Open Doors Training and Outreach Coordinator to become well versed in trainings to be provided.
• Accept direction/feedback from the NYAIL Open Doors Training and Outreach Coordinator on tasks to be completed.
• Provide training for nursing home staff including but not limited to training on administration of Section Q of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) questionnaire.
• Implement evaluation system to assess effectiveness of trainings and identify additional training needs.
• Participate with Open Doors staff in the development of trainings for transition specialists including but not limited to annual trainings, NYAIL conference, regional trainings, webinars and one-on-one trainings.
• Provide trainings at nursing homes in accordance with priorities identified via information from Department of Health and the Transition Center.
• Utilize database and other methods to collect information about trainings/outreach provided and their effectiveness.
• Prepare reports on trainings/outreach provided and needed.
• Work collaboratively with NYAIL’s Peer Program and Olmstead Housing Subsidy program.
• Maintain files that are current and in compliance with the CDRs standards and program regulations.
• Meet all documentation timeline and maintain quality of services.
• Participate in trainings at the discretion of the Supervisor and strives for professional development and to increase their knowledge base.
• Other duties as assigned or required. 

Qualifications:

•  Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.

• Experience with the concepts of Independent Living, consumer control, and a strong commitment to promote and advocate for the full integration of individuals with disabilities.

• Experience developing and providing trainings to groups is required.

• Experience with public speaking.

• Experience working in or with nursing home staff is preferred.

• Experience transitioning individuals out of institutions, including familiarity with the development of individualized service plans is preferred.

• Experience with Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and OPWDD waivers as well as Medicaid Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) is preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, computer, and communication skills.

• Understanding of Independent Living philosophy.  Basic knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a desire to learn more about the public laws that uphold the civil rights of disabled individuals

• Basic knowledge and comfort level with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Personal experience with disability a plus.

 Essential Functions/Physical Requirements:

The Job Duties are representative of the essential functions of the position. The physical requirements for this position are those typically present in normal office environment conditions. Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs of the program.   

This position is based in Rochester however there is requirement to travel to different sites across Western NY and the Southern Tier of New York State. Reliable transportation is necessary, as there is travel required of this position. In addition there will be overnight travel requirements.