Veterans Social Care Counselor

Starting salary: $40,000 – $44,000 ($21.98 - $24.18 an hour)

35 Hour work week

Purpose: Provide counseling and support to Veterans, caregivers, and Authorized Representatives in the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program, while connecting Medicaid-eligible individuals to essential health and social care services that address Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs). This role integrates compassionate engagement with data-informed coordination to enhance quality of life and advance health equity.

 Benefits:  

• PTO – vacation (16-24 days a year based on longevity) Sick leave 12 days a year, and 13 paid holidays.
• Ability to work a 4-day schedule after 6 months on the job. Multiple work schedules available.
• Wellness program with the ability to earn an additional 3 PTO days a year.
• 401K with up to 10% employer investment.
• Heavily subsidized Health Insurance with co-pays. 
• Vision and Dental insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts-Medical and Dependent Care.
• Monthly contribution towards dependent care. (to offset childcare costs)
• Company paid Life Insurance and Identity theft protection. (LifeLock)
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Family Medical Leave, Paid Family Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Bone Marrow and Blood Donation Leave, Voting Time Leave, Election Leave, and Leaves for Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Victims. 
• Employees may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to have student loans forgiven.
• Free covered parking. 
• Additional benefits available.  

Job Duties: 

The successful candidate will be expected to: 

• Meet with Veteran to develop a comprehensive person-centered spending plan.
• Maintain monthly contact with Veteran to monitor program satisfaction. 
• Monitor monthly spending reports to ensure spending does not exceed spending plan in VDC. 
• Serves as the primary contact for all matters associated with VDC program. 
• Communicate effectively with Veteran and/or Authorized Representative and provide counseling if not adhering to spending plan. 
• Serve as the first point of contact for referrals, conducting screenings and eligibility assessments using standardized tools (e.g., Unite US Platform) for Healthy Alliance Program (HAP). 
• Identify and address social needs such as housing, food security, transportation, and emotional well-being for HAP.
• Facilitate access to appropriate community and health resources, ensuring timely outreach, referral, and follow-up. (HAP)
• Maintain accurate documentation of all outreach, screenings, and referrals; report trends to support continuous improvement. (HAP)
• Assess, identify, coordinate, and monitor supports and services on an ongoing basis.
• Have a valid NYS driver license, have own/reliable transportation, be able to travel, and have a flexible schedule to accommodate Veteran’s need.  

Education: 

• A degree in Social Work, Human Services, Health, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience will be considered. At minimum, a High School Diploma or equivalent is required. 

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite applications for preparation of documents, spreadsheets, and data management.  
• Sensitivity and awareness of issues related to Veterans.   
• Knowledge of human services, Independent Living philosophy and case management is preferred.   
• Strong organizational skills, strong verbal and written communication and time management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, ability to work independently and with diverse populations. 
• Community networking and collaboration, advocacy, willingness to work a flexible schedule.  
• Ability to identify areas that need additional consultation.  
• Excellent customer service skills. 

Work Experience Requirements:  

• Two years customer service in a fast-paced environment, with one year experience working in an environment requiring strong attention to detail and the ability to make decisions independently.  
• At least one year experience working with Veterans or Case Management is preferred.   

RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.

RCIL is an equal opportunity employer, and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

Travel Required: Yes

Location: Utica, NY