Options Counselor-Veteran Directed Care-Columbia SC Area- Must Live In SC

                     CANDIDATES MUST LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA- COLUMBIA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Provides person-centered counseling services to Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Directed Care program. VDC is a program that serves eligible veterans of any age who are at risk of nursing home placement. The Options Counselor is responsible for working with the Veteran to identify their needs and develop a spending plan to meet those needs. He or she works with the Veteran to assess, identify, coordinate and monitor supports and services on an ongoing basis. The Options Counselor monitors all VDC spending along with the Veteran, the Financial Management Service (FMS) provider and the VAMC. Reports directly to Options Counselor, Team Lead, VDC.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Home visits (50% including travel time): This includes initial assessments in the client’s home, development of a spending plan, assisting the Veteran with the process of becoming an employer, facilitating new hire appointments, conducting monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual required contacts and reassessments as needed. Provide training and remediation as necessary related to employer responsibilities.  Suggested maximum case load 40 veterans per Options Counselor.

1. Office work (50%): Follow up on referrals and service implementations for clients. Maintains, updates, and monitors clients' confidential information, services and file notes in data base program as required. Performs fiscal duties as required under Veterans Directed Care program. Maintains accurate records of expenditures, schedules & generates monthly reports as required; responsible for satellite office administration as assigned.

DECISION MAKING:

• Performs a range of tasks and duties independently, without direct supervision. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, advocate for clients, families, community partners.
• Maintains travel schedule and related expense reports. Organizes and prioritizes schedule and duties independently.
• Provides regular reports and updates to supervisor in conflict resolution if warranted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and standard office equipment
• Data entry and evaluation
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal communication skills face-to-face and on the phone.
• Excellent written communication skills (letters, memos, reports, emails).
• Ability to mediate conflict and engage clients in problem solving conversations.
• Understanding of client confidentiality, recording client data, and accurately entering information into computer systems in a timely manner.
• Decision making:  Work independently when necessary. Handle a variety of tasks autonomously with regular reporting to supervisor and co-workers.
• Detail oriented — maintain schedule, services, communications & advocacies for clients.
• Establish and maintain trusting relationships with clients and their families in all circumstances Interact and work well with other agency departments, staff & employees.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Office-based position with minimal physical requirements (ability to lift 15 lbs., walking and climbing stairs). Requires regular independent travel. Approximately 90% of the essential functions of the position can be performed remotely.

3 or more years of experience working with seniors, disabled adults, human services or general case management field.  Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or medical field preferred.  Criminal History background check required. 

Required Training:Upon hire, must pass and complete the Person-Centered Options Counseling through the Virginia Department of Aging & Rehabilitative Services & No Wrong Door Training, HIPPA Basics for Providers through Centers for  Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Military Cultural Competency training through the Virginia Department of Veteran Services.  Annual recertification is required.

FLSA status: This is an exempt position.

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. From time to time, the supervisor will ask job holder to perform additional duties related to the completion of the work.

Bay Aging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran, or disability status. Bay Aging is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact MaDena DuChemin, Director, Human Resources at (804) 758-2386, Ext. 1228 or mduchemin@bayaging.org.