Department on Aging - Counselor I

East Brunswick Township•East Brunswick, NJ

About The Position

The Township of East Brunswick is hiring a regular, part-time Counselor I in its Department on Aging. The role coordinates counseling and therapeutic programs, support groups, and instructional activities for older adults and their families addressing issues and losses associated with aging. It provides individualized counseling, information, referrals, benefits assistance, and social-service support, including home visits when needed.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in geriatric clinical practice and program development.
Ability to plan, organize, implement, and promote programs for older adults and their families.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and counseling skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and to supervise and coordinate interns, volunteers, and programs.
Extensive knowledge of local, county, state, and federal social-service programs and resources, especially those relating to older adults.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other appropriate office software and databases.
Valid New Jersey driver's license.
New Jersey residency is required under the stated state policy: employees who begin employment on or after September 1, 2011 must reside in New Jersey or relocate there within one year after accepting employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in counseling or social work.
Clinical licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
Medicare/SHIP certification and training in MonAmi database management, or willingness to obtain them.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized support, accurate information, and referral services to older adult residents and their families, including counseling and guidance on home health care, adult day care, long-term care planning, and advance care planning.
Coordinate and assist residents and families with assistance programs and benefit counseling, including PAAD, Senior Gold, Medicare Savings Program, Lifeline, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, Property Tax Reimbursement, Homestead Benefit, and Farmers Market Vouchers.
Make home visits as necessary to conduct assessments, determine social-service needs, or provide crisis intervention.
Assist with the Senior Meals Program, Medicare (SHIP) Counseling, department programs, and special events.
Direct and supervise interns and volunteers.
Perform other duties as assigned.