Kathryn Lake is the Long Term Care Assistant in the DSS Office of Long Term Care (OLTC).  She was hired directly into this position in July, 2006.  Her prior experience includes more than sixteen years as a Claims Representative for a local insurance company.  She also has a background in restaurant operations.

As Long Term Care Assistant, Kathy provides clerical support to three RN Case Managers, a Caseworker and the Unit Supervisor/Senior Caseworker.  Together they manage more than 225 community-based clients receiving in-home health related and supportive living functions as part of the Medicaid program.  Kathy also functions in a paraprofessional capacity for OLTC.  Being familiar with the processes and protocols for Delaware and adjacent Counties, Kathy is often the primary resource for County residents seeking information about nursing homes, adult homes, adult day care, adult respite and related in-home health services and support functions.  She coordinates information on OLTC cases with providers, the County’s New York Connects Program and related units within both the Department of Social Services, the Office for the Aging, and Public Health.  In addition, Kathy is certified as a security guard and, under the supervision of the Director of Investigations, assists with the Reception function at 99 Main Street.

Kathy likes her work environment and her co-workers.  She finds the atmosphere supportive, professionally uplifting and always interesting.

Kathy is the mother of three daughters and has one grandson.  She also loves organic gardening including both vegetables and flowering plants.  For indoor challenges, she is an ardent digital scrap-booker.  She fills the rest of her time by being the innkeeper for six interesting and challenging cats.

Kathy was nominated for Employee of the Month because of her professional flexibility.  Kathy is viewed by staff as an excellent source of long term care information, highly effective in maintaining OLTC documents and files to State and Federal regulatory standards and versatile in the varied support functions including assisting with outreach activities, transportation or other field support services that affect client services.

Kathy, congratulations as Employee of the Month!