ASM 256 - Agency Experience

Credits: 2
Lecture Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 8
Course Type: Open

During this practical experience, the student will investigate a senior services agency. The student will identify the purpose of the business, client needs, funding and techniques to evaluate the service delivery system. In addition, the student will pay special attention to the role and responsibilities of the administrator or manager in the operation of the agency.
Competencies

Describe the purpose and organization of the agency
1. Research the history of the agency
2. Review the mission, vision and goals of the agency
Identify the target client population
1. Assess societal trends that impact the target population and the ability of the business to meet the clients’ needs
2. Evaluate the types of services clients require
Review the personnel required to deliver services
1. Recognize the education and training required to fulfill the various duties
2. Review the job descriptions of various positions
3. Identify employee recruitment, retention, and turnover issues
4. Compare the job tasks of the administrator, manager, and other staff positions
Assess marketing strategies and how the agency attracts clients
1. Identify the targeted market for the agency
2. Review the marketing options that will reach the targeted population
Review policies and procedures regarding client admission, discharge, and/or service delivery
1. Discuss the admission and discharge policies
2. Examine the services provided in this setting
Experience client admission and discharge procedures
1. Review admission and discharge criteria
2. Complete a client’s admission and/or discharge
Determine funding sources and how clients access these sources
1. Research options for funding sources for clients
2. Identify criteria required by clients to access funding sources
List terminology and abbreviations commonly used in this setting
1. Identify the medical terminology and abbreviations used in this setting
2. Review the terminology used by the professionals in this setting
Recognize the flow of authority and decision-making processes
1. Review the organization chart of the agency
2. Discuss the chain of command with the director or administration
Determine the governance and regulation of the services provided
1. List the state and federal regulatory agencies for the agency
2. Examine the survey process if appropriate for the agency
Identify the internal and external techniques used to evaluate the services
1. List the internal systems that assure quality
2. List the external agencies and systems that measure outcomes