Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Behavioral Health Manager to Oversee Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and other Behavioral Health Programs

BROCKTONAND PLYMOUTH, MA... Deana Andrade, LICSW, has been promoted toBehavioral Health Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth Countyand surrounding towns.

Andrade has been with OCES for 11 years and has been promoted several times-from Supportive Housing Specialist intern to Home Care Case Manager, to Consumer Advocate to Behavioral Health Supervisor. In her most recent position, Andrade developed Behavioral Health Programs including ANCHOR (Advocating and Navigating Care in the Home for Ongoing Risks, as well as the Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT), and the Clutter Reduction Support Program (CRSP).

Andrade holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and Master of Social Work from University of New England in Maine. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. (NASW).

In her new role as OCES’ Behavioral Health Manager, Andrade will oversee behavioral health initiatives including ANCHOR and EMHOT, as well as hoarding and clutter reduction programs. Her responsibilities will also include conducting in-home assessments and supervising contracted LICSWs and clinical social work-related committees. Andrade will provide supportive consultation, assessment, and referral services to OCES staff in matters concerning behavioral health issues affecting the well-being of OCES’ consumers. In addition, she will facilitate support groups with/for Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Resource Network as needed.

Over the years, Andrade has served as a Facilitator in Buried in Treasures Workshops, and she provides clinical supervision to Social Work interns. She is the Chairperson of OCES’ Ethics Committee, The Social Work Licensure Program Coordinator and Internship Committee Coordinator. She is also a member of Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Resource Network (GBAH).

OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) offers behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities (who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. OCES’ team provides counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis.

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families,and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.