The Geriatric ED depends on the collaboration of the interdisciplinary team. Every member has an important role to play in delivering age-friendly care. Below is a sample GEM Case Manager job description that can be adapted for your ED. You can download a copy for your ease of use.
GEM Case Manager Job Description
We are seeking a skilled and attentive Case Manager to join our team at [Insert Hospital Name]. The ideal candidate will collaborate with social work staff to coordinate care for all patients in the ED, including older adults. They will assess and identify patient needs, working closely with an interdisciplinary team to develop care plans that support safe transitions across the continuum of care.
Qualifications:
- Registered Nurse (RN) with at least [insert number] years of experience
- Completion of an accredited nursing program (BSN an asset)
- Training specific to the care of older adults
The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of experience. However, this isn’t always an option. A motivated new nurse may be your best shot at a good fit.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Patient-centric mindset with exemplary listening and communication skills
- Knowledge of appropriate hospital and community resources available
- Strong critical thinking and sound judgement in high-pressure situations
- Experience collaborating with healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines, departments, and locations
- Understanding of geriatric screening tools and needs assessment criteria
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and demonstrate accountability
Responsibilities
- Assess and communicate patient needs early in the ED visit (e.g. patient acuity, nutrition, living environment, medication management, financial needs)
- Help reduce unnecessary admissions through adherence to geriatric screening criteria
- Collaborate with social workers, nursing staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to develop tailored care plans
- Provide feedback to interdisciplinary GED team on effectiveness of interventions and patient outcomes
- Facilitate access to community resources such as Adult Protective Services, Meals on Wheels, low-cost transportation, and home healthcare assistance
- Work with ED Financial team to help patients apply for state medical assistance
- Coordinate timely discharge and patient transitions to appropriate levels of care
- Assist patients and caregivers in planning for ongoing care needs
- Educate patient and caregivers on health care plan
- Perform other duties as assigned