Hiawatha Homes Inc.
City: Rochester, MN
Job Title: Advocate & Admissions Manager
Overview: The Hiawatha Homes Advocate is responsible for developing and maintaining a system of communications between the individuals supported, his/her family, Hiawatha Homes, and appropriate community agencies; coordinating admissions and discharges; monitoring individual’s rights (service-related rights and protection rights); conducting abuse/neglect investigations; reporting those findings to the Common Entry Point; and assisting with any family issues or grievances.
Responsibilities: Program Support Duties Collect the initial referral information for all Hiawatha programs; share this information with the appropriate staff persons; offer tour of Hiawatha Homes for the person requesting the information. Coordinate and participate in pre-admission meetings and participate in decisions for discharge along with the individual’s team. Serve as staff representative for Admissions/Discharge Committee and maintain records for this committee. Make recommendations for waiting list or respite care. Attend the HH Leadership Team Meetings including the HCBS meetings. Advocate Duties Participate in program reviews as an advocate, for the people supported by HH; review annual notes, discuss finances, guardianship status, resident rights (service-related rights and protection rights), and monitor serious injury reports. Support programs with implementing Positive Support Practices such as person-centered planning and positive behavioral support plans. Support the person and team when there is a Behavioral Intervention Report Form (BIRF) that needs to be completed and followed through on. Offer recommendations for internal changes for individuals as appropriate. Develop and review service plans in consultation with the individuals supported and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided. Act as liaison for Hiawatha Homes with Apple Tree Dental and other community services for people supported by HH; review billings and assist with dental appointments, as needed. Research and inform HH employees regarding related programs and advocacy activities for people with developmental disabilities in the community. Maintain open communication with all programs and support staff throughout the agency. Investigate all reports or potential harm or injury to individuals supported at HH, maintain records, and confer with the CEO on all investigations. Maintain contact with the county Common Entry Point, DHS and Ombudsman Office as required for serious injuries and deaths. Serve as primary staff for abuse/neglect reporting and training. Review Medicaid, Medicare, UCARE related information as well as assist with the completion of Medical Assistance paperwork for the individuals supported at HH. Collaborate with HH Business Office Team regarding individual’s financial status. Complete Representative Payee forms/paperwork as required. Develop and distribute annual survey, as required by 245D. Supporting Individuals Monitor individual’s financial accounts for appropriateness. Along with the Director of Nursing, assist individuals with completing advance directives. Support other individuals supported by HH, family, and staff at the time of a person’s death; assist with funeral arrangements; and make an official death report to the Home County, DHS, and Ombudsman office. Committees/Policies Participate in Hiawatha Home’s policy development and revision; update the Vulnerable Adult/Child Protection Policy, and 245D policies, as needed. Assure that human, civil, and legal rights are protected for all people supported by HH and their families. Serve as the designated privacy official who shall be responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s HIPAA policies and procedures; provide additional information and answer questions concerning Hiawatha’s policies and procedures and ensure compliance with the policies and procedures, and other issues concerning the privacy of individually identifiable health information (HIPAA). Attend and participate in Social and Wellness Committee, Agency Orientation, and other relevant training courses, committees, and meetings. Work with the CEO, Training Coordinator, and Program Team to implement person-centered training opportunities for HH Team Members. Attend and participate in Professional Development, as needed, or directed.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, (etc.)Minimum of 2 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities or persons aged 65 or older. OR Associate’s degree in a related field such as: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, (etc.) and a minimum of 3 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities or persons aged 65 or older. Ability to speak, write, and comprehend the English language.
Deadline: 08/01/2026
How to Apply: https://www.hiawathahomes.org/employment |