Operation Family Caregiver Coach (Temporary)

Job Summary:

Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) is a unique coaching program launched in 2013 by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving. The program provides free and confidential support to the families of those who have served our nation and return home with visible or invisible injuries (including post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and/or other physical disabilities). The program has impacted more than 900 families to date and has resulted in reduced caregiver depression and health complaints, and an increase in caregiver satisfaction with life.

As a Caregiver Coach, you will train and empower people in this new role of “caregiver” so they can effectively provide care while still maintaining their own physical and emotional wellbeing. You will provide education, training, and support to caregivers as they navigate their caregiving journey. You will meet with them regularly, in person or via phone/video over the course of 4 to 6 months to help them develop new skills in problem solving, stress management, self-care, and utilization of available resources. 

In addition to your coaching responsibilities, part of your job will be finding and recruiting caregivers into the program. This will require interfacing with the military and veteran community, establishing a regular and recognizable presence among spouses and caregivers, and becoming a resource for those communities. Because this position is remote, a successful candidate will be self-motivated and resourceful and should not take rejection personally.

A Caregiver Coach should have experience or an understanding of military culture as well as a background in or experience in counseling/coaching. They must possess an engaging and empathetic communication style. They should be able to quickly assess the specific challenges of each caregiver and determine the most relevant strategies. They must be able to work calmly in an anxious, intense environment. 

Each Caregiver Coach must successfully complete OFC training and certification provided by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving and become proficient in every aspect of Operation Family Caregiver Program operation. The Caregiver Coach will be assigned to a health facility within the U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and be expected to become a volunteer in that facility.    

This is a grant-funded, part-time position on an as-needed basis.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in identifying and marketing to military caregivers who are in need of this program 
• Establish a presence and credibility within the local community to generate awareness of OFC and recruit caregivers into the program. This may entail making phone calls and holding meetings with local veteran organizations, tabling and exhibiting and fairs and conferences, speaking on panels or events at local organizations, etc.
• Act as an ambassador for OFC with local organizations and media
• Screen and enroll eligible participants using a screening questionnaire
• Accurately enter data from questionnaires and assessments to be used for service delivery and evaluation
• Assess the challenges and strengths of the caregiver and their support system
• Educate, train and support military caregivers according to the Operation Family Caregiver evidence-based intervention consisting of: 4 in-home/video visits; monthly telephone availability; data collection at beginning and end (program length 4-6 months)
• Establish credibility as an expert resource to the caregiver in improving their caregiver experience
• Monitor assigned cases to ensure compliance
• Maintain high completion levels for program participants (75% completion of sessions is necessary to be considered a program completer)
• Recommend corrective action on breach/default cases including termination if resolution cannot be affected
• Develop community resources to assist military caregivers.  
• Attending networking meetings with other social service and community care providers

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (social work, psychology, etc.)
• Some background and experience in social work, psychology, counseling, or coaching
• Exposure to and familiarity with military culture
• Valid driver’s license
• A reliable mode of transportation with insurance
• Familiarity and comfort with technology for data collection and measurement