7-008.02B Worker Tasks

The APS worker must complete the following tasks when initiating service coordination:

 

1. Determine what action is necessary to protect the vulnerable adult and promote self-care and independent living.  This may be determined by evaluating the following:

a. Specific problems relating to care/protection of the vulnerable adult;

b. Positive and negative factors in the environment;

c. Strengths and weaknesses of the vulnerable adult;

d. Vulnerable adult's and/or others' capacity and motivation to deal with these problems;

e. Possible approaches to solving these problems;

f. Specific goals for improved care/protection of the vulnerable adult;  and

g. Decisions about which services will be provided, how and by whom, including referral to other community services and mobilization of the vulnerable adult's resources.

2. Determine whether "arranging for legal services" is needed.  (See 473 NAC 7-008.06.)

3. Discuss the findings of the investigation and needs assessment with the vulnerable adult and/or his/her legal representative, if any

4. Explain to the vulnerable adult and/or his/her legal representative, if any, the services that are available through the local office and other community services

5. Obtain acceptance of services from the vulnerable adult or his/her legal representative, if any.  The vulnerable adult or his/her legal representative's signature on the current service application form (see Appendix) indicates acceptance of service coordination.

a. If the vulnerable adult or his/her legal representative accept service coordination, the APS worker must develop a service plan/contract with the vulnerable adult, utilizing share decision-making, as appropriate.  The service plan/contract will state the actions needed to reach the desired outcomes.  Continuous evaluation of the service plan/contract will measure progress in the accomplishment of the outcomes.  The service plan/contract may be revised as needed to achieve the desired outcome(s).  The APS worker must use the Department’s current APS Service Plan/Contract Form (see Appendix).

6. Arrange for the provision of service which may include, but not be limited to, medical care, mental health care, legal services, transportation, home health care or provision of food, clothing, shelter or supervision.  The worker must determine categorical eligibility and authorize necessary purchased services under the Social Services Block Grant.  

a. The APS worker checks the Department’s information systems to determine if a case exists.

For instructions, see N-FOCUS APS Training Material

b.  The APS worker must explore other funding options to obtain services necessary for the vulnerable adult.

If the vulnerable adult is categorically eligible for Medicaid, consult with the adult's eligibility worker to determine eligibility for Special Requirement funds.

 

Check with his/her supervisor to see if Service Area Administrative funds can be used to pay for needed services or items.

 

APS discretionary funds, if available, may be used after all other funding areas have been explored.  The APS worker must follow established criteria and procedures when using these funds (see Appendix).

 

If the APS client is over 60 years of age, check with the Area Agency on Aging to see if Unmet Needs Funding is available for use to purchase needed services or items.

 

In some service areas, County general assistance funds may be available to purchase needed services or items.  APS workers need to be aware of the fact that there are eligibility criteria that are specific to each county and must be met.  Adults with Social Security benefits are not eligible to use these funds.

 

Disabled Persons and Family Support Funds may be available to assist, however, the vulnerable adult must fit into one of the following categories:

 

• At risk of nursing facility or other alternate placement;

• Live with family members or relatives and at risk of them no longer being able to provide care; or

• Working and earning at least $500 per month and need services to maintain employment (for example, paraplegic who is employed but unable to dress or bathe).

Applications must be submitted to the HHSS Central Office and the application must pass the income and resource test.

c.  The APS worker may purchase services under the SSBG for the vulnerable adult without regard to income (WI) on a time-limited basis if no other options exist and those services are necessary to safeguard the vulnerable adult.

 

Services may be purchased WI for a period of service not to exceed the current maximum for two months.