Person-Centered Counselor

Reports to: Veteran-Directed Care Supervisor

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Dedicate yourself to an Organization and Mission you can be proud of by joining the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging!

Our Mission:

We provide choices for people to live independently in the place they want to call home.

About Us:

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) is a private non-profit corporation, organized and designated by the State of Ohio to be the planning, coordinating and administrative agency for federal and state aging programs in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties.  It is one of twelve Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the state organized together with local service provider organizations and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) to form the state's public aging services network.  The network works together to create opportunities for older Ohioan's to receive needed home and community services and supports; and to age successfully in their own homes and communities.

Candidates we love…

• Self-motivated and compassionate individuals looking to be part of a Best-in Class organization
• Team players who are committed to providing superior service to all they serve
• Enthusiastic professionals excited to grow with an organization that values dedication, innovation and collaboration. 

What our staff loves about us…

• A Competitive Salary
• A generous six-week PTO program with thirteen paid holidays
• A $ 750.00 investment in professional development through a substantial, annual training funds allotment
• A 401K program with a company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits options
• Mileage reimbursement 
• Free parking and so much more…

Position Overview: The Person-Centered Counselor is responsible for timely responding to referrals, scheduling and conducting in-person intake assessments, and educating Veterans about the VDC program. This role involves collaborating with Veterans to create and annually review individualized Spending Plans, ensuring compliance with policy and documentation standards, and maintaining regular communication with program participants. The coordinator will also participate in agency and VA training, and may provide support in other programs as needed through cross-training.

Job Duties:

• Promptly respond to referrals for Veteran Directed Care, ensuring a reply within the next business day, and schedule a face-to-face intake meeting to be held within 5 days of the referral receive date.
• Conduct face-to-face intake sessions and person-centered assessment within 5 days of intake, with a follow-up at six (6) months post-intake, and subsequently on an annual basis in conjunction with the Veteran/Representative. This entails traveling to the Veteran's place of residence or an agreed-upon venue.
• Record all interactions in the Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) within 24 hours.
• Educate the Veteran about the particulars of the VDC program.
• Collaborate with the Veteran in person to formulate a budget for necessary goods and services, aligned with the functional needs assessment and in accordance with VDC Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Present the initial Spending Plan (comprising budget and supporting documents) to the supervisor for evaluation.
• Adjust the Spending Plan as required to meet Veteran Administration Medical Center review and the Veteran's requirements.
• Conduct annual reviews of Spending Plans with the Veteran, submitting all plans and revisions to the supervisor for assessment.
• Maintain documented monthly communication with the Veteran/Representative and hold quarterly face-to-face documented interactions with the Veteran. Offer insights regarding the excessive or insufficient utilization of goods and services based on the monthly authorized Spending Plan.
• Establish an Action Plan with the Veteran/Representative if indications of overspending or excessive usage of goods and services arise, in line with the monthly budget of the annual authorized Spending Plan.
• Participate in VA in-service training sessions as directed by the management team.
• Attend the agency's in-service training sessions, staff meetings, and other agency-related activities as stipulated.
• The primary duty of the PCC will be dedicated to the VDC program. However, they will also receive cross-training in additional programs to provide support as required.

• Education and/or Experience bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Veteran Preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills along with familiarity with office administrative procedures.
• Ability to travel to any county within our service area (Lake, Lorain, Medina, Cuyahoga, and Geauga)
• Proficiency in multitasking under time constraints, displaying strong organizational abilities, precision, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in technology usage and a capacity to quickly adapt to new equipment, applications, and platforms utilized within the organization.
• Highly adept with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Chrome for tasks such as word processing, graphics, spreadsheet management, database handling, email communication, and internet-based research and content creation. Excel proficiency will be evaluated through various mediums during the recruitment process for this role.
• Possession of a car for use during working hours and a valid driver's license.
• Capability to lift objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

If you are interested in joining our team of professionals, please click “Apply” and submit your resume.  We look forward to hearing from you!

The Agency is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all. Employment decisions are made based on each person’s performance, qualifications, and abilities. The Agency does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability status, health status, genetic information or ancestry, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy covers all aspects of employment practices, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training

Salary : $26 - $26