Options Counselor -Veteran Directed Care -South Carolina-SC Candidates Only!

BAY AGING•Anderson, SC

2d•$48,000 - $55,000•Remote

About The Position

The Options Counselor provides person-centered counseling services to Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Directed Care (VDC) program. VDC serves eligible Veterans of any age who are at risk of nursing home placement. The counselor works with each Veteran to identify needs, develop a spending plan, and assess, coordinate, and monitor supports and services on an ongoing basis. The counselor monitors VDC spending in collaboration with the Veteran, the Financial Management Service provider, and the VAMC. The role reports directly to the Options Counselor, Team Lead, VDC. The position combines home visits and office work. Home visits, including travel time, account for approximately 50% of the work and include initial in-home assessments, spending-plan development, help with becoming an employer, new-hire appointments, required ongoing contacts and reassessments, and training or remediation on employer responsibilities. The suggested maximum caseload is 40 Veterans. Office work accounts for approximately 50% and includes referral and service follow-up, maintaining confidential client records, program fiscal duties, expenditure records, schedules and monthly reports, and satellite office administration as assigned. The counselor performs a range of duties independently, using experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and advocate for clients, families, and community partners. The role requires organizing and prioritizing work and travel, maintaining related expense reports, and providing regular updates to a supervisor, including in conflict-resolution situations when warranted. The position is office-based, requires regular independent travel, and approximately 90% of its essential functions can be performed remotely. Candidates must live in South Carolina, specifically Anderson, Greenville, or Spartanburg counties.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience working with seniors, disabled adults, in human services, or in general case management.
Must live in South Carolina in Anderson, Greenville, or Spartanburg County.
Ability to use Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and standard office equipment.
Data-entry and evaluation skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multitask.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal communication skills, in person and by phone.
Excellent written communication skills, including letters, memos, reports, and emails.
Ability to mediate conflict and engage clients in problem-solving conversations.
Understanding of client confidentiality, client-data recording, and timely, accurate computer data entry.
Ability to work independently, handle varied tasks autonomously, and report regularly to supervisors and coworkers.
Detail orientation in maintaining schedules, services, communications, and client advocacy.
Ability to establish and maintain trusting relationships with clients and their families.
Ability to work well with other agency departments, staff, and employees.
Must pass a criminal-history background check.
Upon hire, must pass and complete Person-Centered Options Counseling through the Virginia Department of Aging & Rehabilitative Services, No Wrong Door Training, HIPAA Basics for Providers through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Military Cultural Competency training through the Virginia Department of Veteran Services; annual recertification is required.
Ability to lift 15 pounds, walk, and climb stairs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a medical field preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide person-centered counseling to Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Directed Care program.
Identify Veterans' needs and develop spending plans to address those needs.
Assess, identify, coordinate, and monitor supports and services on an ongoing basis.
Monitor VDC spending with the Veteran, Financial Management Service provider, and VAMC.
Conduct home visits, including initial assessments, spending-plan development, and required follow-up contacts and reassessments.
Assist Veterans with becoming employers and facilitate new-hire appointments.
Provide training and remediation as needed regarding employer responsibilities.
Follow up on referrals and service implementations.
Maintain, update, and monitor confidential client information, services, and file notes in the database.
Perform fiscal duties under the VDC program and maintain accurate expenditure records.
Maintain schedules and generate required monthly reports.
Provide satellite office administration as assigned.
Maintain a travel schedule and submit related expense reports.
Organize and prioritize schedules and duties independently, and provide regular reports and updates to the supervisor.