Options Counselor

Options are important, especially when you are faced with challenging situations. As the Options Counselor you will work with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families to help avoid unnecessary long-term care placement by providing case management.

Schedule: This is a Local Union 509, full-time, non-exempt (35 hour/week) position. We offer 4-day work week and hybrid work schedule (once training is complete.) No nights or weekends.

Compensation: Starting annual salary is $45,264.67. Being bilingual is not a requirement for this role, but we recognize it as an asset and offer an additional 6% bilingual designation for Spanish, Haitian Creole, Russian, Vietnamese, Cantonese or Mandarin. Enjoy benefits that start as of day 1 of employment and our generous paid time off package.

This role plays a crucial part in linking older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families to Mystic Valley Elder Service's (MVES) services and providing information on community resources, in addition to care planning/case management, and short-term follow-up on care recommendations.

With a refreshing culture that is supportive, collaborative, and encouraging of diverse perspectives and backgrounds and a satisfying balance between your work and personal life, why not join the Mystic Valley Elder Services' Team!

Depending on your role and your hours, we offer:

• Flexible scheduling
• Competitive salaries
• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting day 1
• 403b Retirement Plan with agency contribution after 2 years of employment
• 3 weeks accrued Vacation time
• 3 weeks accrued Sick time
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 30 personal hours
• Ample free parking
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonuses of up to $2,000

What you'll be responsible for:

The essential functions of the position are below. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

• Receive referrals for older adults who are ineligible for Home Care programs or people with disabilities who are in need of information on long-term services and supports (LTSS) in order to live independently in the community.
• Case management - contact and meet with consumer, their family and/or caregiver to assess current situation and care needs and to offer assistance with care planning options.
• Assist consumers, their family and/or caregivers by providing access to MVES programs and grant-funded resources, including state-subsidized home care
• Provide short-term assistance to consumers on LTSS implementation issues and problem resolution.
• Ensure consumers have access to information on public benefits and other community services and resources.
• Provide time-limited follow-up contact through home visits, telephone assessments, and video conferencing.
• Educate potential consumers about MVES services and assist in decision-making regarding the plan of care.
• Collaborate with Protective Services staff in order to provide information and resources for at-risk consumers.
• Provide linkages to partners within our Aging and Disability Resource Consortium (ADRC) network as appropriate. Attend meetings as scheduled.
• Maintain accurate consumer information in the client services database in accordance with Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and MVES standards
• Compile and submit required statistics and reports.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings.
• Participate in the orientation and training process for new staff.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field preferred
• Knowledge of and experience working with older adults preferred
• Experience working in community service setting preferred
• Private transportation
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to be a self-starter.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and be flexible in responding to consumer needs.
• Computer skills: Proficient with MS Office Suite and entering narrative and other data into a database. Experience working with Excel.
• Ability to use the Internet to conduct information searches.

Mystic Valley Elder Services is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.