CLC OPTIONS COUNSELOR

AGING AND LONG TERM CARE OF EASTERN WASHINGTON

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Options Counselor    

Department: Community Living Connections

Position Type: Full-time

Reports to: Options Counselor Supervisor

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non- Exempt

Supervises: N/A

Salary Range: Level 7

Hiring Range: $62,597-$74,408

Job Summary  

The person in this position will directly support program activities related to Community Living Connections, providing person centered needs assessments, resource options counseling, referrals, and follow-up based on consumer preferences and situational context for long term care supports.  

Key Essential Functions

1. Performs person-centered comprehensive needs assessments, including mental, physical, functional, cultural, financial, environmental, and life goals to determine appropriate referrals on availability and use of community resources they may qualify for.
2. Help clients develop preliminary goals and action steps, long-term support counseling, conduct information gathering and provide short-term follow-up based on consumer preferences to help ensure client goals are met.
3. Helps ensure program standards are met by achieving client service program goals.
4. Provides personal phone or community visits with clients in Spokane County.
5. Ensure all client records are accurately maintained in GetCare, by following the documentation policies and network standards.
6. Provides information, referrals and assistance through telephone, walk-in or email intake, as needed.
7. Maintain a thorough knowledge of long-term services and support in the community by attending state-provided and other pertinent training.
8. Assists with and leads periodic public education sessions on senior services as assigned.
9. Provides support in evaluative and quality assurance activities as assigned.
10. Engages in interagency collaboration and education regarding long term support counseling services in order to facilitate shared information and consistency of services.
11. Participate in continuing education and peer counseling workshops and activities.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Ability to operate a personal vehicle driving to home visits (within Spokane County) as needed.  Demands average 75-100 miles per month depending on client needs. 
• Skilled in typing, keyboarding includes up to 7.5 hours per day. Occasional periods of writing.
• Exhibits manual dexterity for effective operation of vehicle controls, typing and writing.  
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 lbs., including laptops and client files, includes abilities to push, pull, stretch, reach, and maneuver in various directions.  
• Ability to sit, stand and walk, including navigating stairs and uneven terrain, while utilizing bending, stooping, and climbing as needed to access materials.
• Maintains visual acuity at various distances and operates in diverse environmental conditions, including both indoor and outdoor noisy settings while navigating safely.
• Ability to speak and listen adequately for interacting with both employees and the public, whether in person or over the phone.

Behavioral Standards 

Maintains a friendly, courteous, and respectful demeanor toward clients, coworkers, and volunteers. Exhibits compassion for our clients and their well-being. Communicates effectively in one-on-one and small group settings. Capable of being a collaborative team member contributing to the organization's goals. Takes initiative to achieve work objectives and consistently demonstrates honest and ethical behaviors. Establishes positive relationships with clients, volunteers, coworkers, team, and supervisors. Represents the agency in a positive and professional manner. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Field experience must be paid, full-time, on-the-job, and be related to social services and supporting vulnerable populations (older adults, adults’ w/disabilities).
• Must be able to perform word processing and data entry tasks at a minimum of 45 words per minute.
• This position requires a criminal background check that qualifies the individual to work with vulnerable adults (WAC 388-133).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. 

Minimum Education Experience:

• High school diploma/GED 4 years of experience in above field or
• High school diploma/GED 3 years of experience in above field, and bilingual or bicultural background or
• Associate of Arts degree (or equivalent coursework) 2 years of experience in above field.

Preferred Education Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (any field) 2 years of social service experience or
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, behavioral or health sciences 1-year social service experience or
• Master’s degree (any field) social service experience.

Salary : $62,597 - $74,408