Care Counselor for Lake, McHenry, Boone and Northern Cook Counties

Veteran Directed Care Options Counselor – Serving Lake, McHenry, Kane, Northern Cook & Boone Counties

AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois – Lombard, IL

AgeGuide, the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Illinois, is a mission‑driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering older adults and their caregivers. We are seeking a compassionate, detail‑oriented Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Options Counselor to support veterans in self‑directing their care and living independently with dignity.

About the Role

As a VDC Options Counselor, you will guide veterans and their families through the Veterans Directed Care program, helping them understand their options, manage their budgets, hire caregivers, and access community resources. This role blends program coordination, options counseling, and direct client support through home visits, phone check‑ins, and collaboration with the VA and Fiscal Management Agencies.

Your primary caseload will be located in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Northern Cook, and Boone Counties.

Key Responsibilities

Program Support

• Process referrals, renewals, and program documentation
• Maintain program spreadsheets and prepare monthly VDC reports
• Conduct survey calls and track outcomes
• Send Monthly Spending Reports to veterans and the VA
• Monitor service utilization and adherence to spending plans

Options Counseling & Client Support

• Conduct assessments, reassessments, and monthly check‑ins (phone or in‑person)
• Assist veterans/authorized representatives with care planning and spending plans
• Educate veterans on their role as employers and support caregiver hiring
• Develop emergency backup plans with veterans
• Provide referrals for community‑based services
• Monitor quality of care and address concerns
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Conduct outreach and training for community organizations
• Participate in VDC trainings and quarterly meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to travel independently
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and database systems
• Compassion, empathy, and resilience when working with complex client situations
• Ability to navigate stairs and lift up to 25 lbs regularly
• Ability to conduct home visits in unfamiliar or high‑need environments

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full‑time: 37.5 hours/week, standard hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Hybrid: office, field, and remote work
• Laptop and direct line - phone provided
• Mileage reimbursed
• Travel and caseload specifics discussed during interview (varies by VA facility and county)

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting at $52,000year
• Health and dental insurance
• PTO, sick time, and vacation time
• Full benefits package provided with offer

Equal Opportunity & Age-Friendly Workplace Statement

AgeGuide is proud to be a member of the AARP Employer Pledge Program and an age‑friendly workplace committed to fair opportunities for workers of all ages. We value the experience, skills, and perspectives that older workers bring to our team and actively foster an inclusive, multigenerational workplace where everyone can thrive.

We welcome and encourage applications from veterans, older workers, and individuals from all backgrounds. AgeGuide is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Please ANSWER all screening questions because we are trying to fast pace this selection.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you a veteran? Please share what branch and work related experience you have by serving?
• What specific background do you have that relates most directly to this position?
• Do you live in Lake, McHenry, Boone or Northern Cook County? This is the desired territory for the case load in this program.
• When are you available to start a new position?

Experience:

• Patient assessment: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lombard, IL 60148