Options Counselor-Veteran Directed Care

JOB SUMMARY: Options Counselor-Veteran Directed Care                              Location:  Montross or Middle Peninsula Offices

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 educating Veterans on the Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program, as Advocate and coach, the Options Counselor works 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 supports the Veteran in the creation and management of their individualized Spending Plan. The Options Counselor monitors all VDC spending along with the Veteran, the Financial Management Service (FMS) provider and the VAMC. Reports directly to Director, Community Living Programs. Salary:  $45,000/yr-$55,000/yr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.    Home visits (50% including travel time): This includes initial assessments, 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 50 veterans per Options Counselor. 
 
2.    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:
 

Has knowledge of:
 HIPAA regulations
 Microsoft Office programs (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, e-mail).   
  Other computer programs as related to job performance.      
      -General Medicaid & Medicare eligibility criteria.
-Bay Aging corporate policies and procedures.
- Use of agency data base systems — training provided, as needed.
-Stays current in the knowledge of the profession, community resources and funding opportunities available to seniors and disabled adults. Utilizes knowledge in advocacy of-client needs. 
-  Maintains certifications and other training as required under agency policies or as mandated by program guidelines.

ABILITIES:

•    Prioritize needs and actions to advocate on client's behalf.
•    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.
•    Maintain ongoing relationships with other professionals, medical providers, and contractors on  behalf of Agency.
•    Public relations & marketing — Good communication skills both orally and in writing; through   reports, newsletters, file notes and correspondence; composed and comfortable in public speaking arenas.
•    Work in and away from the office, including community events as assigned.   Self-starter 
•    Work under pressure or crisis situations; easily adapts to changes.   Attend trainings, meetings as required.

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or medical field preferred.
Have 3 or more years of experience working with seniors, disabled adults, human services or general  case management field.
Criminal History background check required.
Must possess a valid driver's license and proof of current PPD test & Flu vaccinations.

FLSA status: This is an exempt position.

Salary : $48,000 - $55,000