Job Type
Internship
Description
THE ORGANIZATION
A private nonprofit organization founded in 1973, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a large agency that is part of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) nationwide network. Founded as a result of the federal Older Americans Act, the AAAs are mandated to “facilitate the area-wide development and implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated system for providing long-term care in home and community-based settings, in a manner responsive to the needs and preferences of older individuals and their family caregivers.” PCA carries out this mission through advocacy, stewardship of public funding, planning, development and administration of programs, and service coordination.
The mission of PCA is to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and those with disabilities and assist them in achieving the greatest possible levels of health, independence, and productivity.
DEFINITION
Under the mentorship of the Manager for Community Living Options, the CLO intern will have an opportunity to become immersed in PCA’s Domiciliary Care (“Dom Care”) program through both hands-on learning activities and shadowing of a Dom Care Resource Developer, and Care Manager. The student intern will learn about Care Management, completing assessments, Care Plan development and implementation, and Resource Development of Housing opportunities.
“Domiciliary” comes from the word “domicile” or “home” and is used to describe care provided in the home. PCA’s “Dom Care” program matches adults (18 and older), who cannot live alone, with individuals or families who are willing to open their homes. Dom Care providers offer a warm and encouraging family environment, and assist consumers with their daily needs, including meals, laundry, personal hygiene, and medication administration. PCA makes consumer-provider matches, placing eligible people in certified homes. Care managers monitor the homes and provide professional guidance.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
Summary
CLO seeks a student intern with an interest in gerontology, housing, Case Management and/or Mental Health. CLO supports adults with disabilities to continue to live in the community. Community Living Options receives referrals from internal departments at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging including Long Term Care Departments, Helpline and from public and/or external agencies which may come into contact directly with adults who are interested in living in a family setting. A student intern/volunteer will have hands-on and shadowing experience with the following:
• Tracking and following up on provider referrals
• Assisting with the creation of a resource binder
• Attending community outreach events
• Assisting the team with emergency food, and clothing resources.
• Making referrals to service providers
• Creating new provider records in Oracle Provider
• Updating training records as needed in Oracle Provider
• Editing the provider newsletter, “The Dom Care Express.”
• Interfacing with providers for proposed content for “The Dom Care Express” newsletter.
An intern seeking academic credit for participating in this experiential opportunity will develop a syllabus with educational objectives in conjunction with his/her/their academic advisor.
Salary Description
UNPAID