Person-Centered Counselor (Veteran-Directed Care)

Mid-America Regional Council • Kansas City, MO

5d • $60,000 - $65,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

MARC is seeking a Person-Centered Counselor (PCC) to join its growing Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program. The VDC program supports Veterans who require personal care services and assistance with daily living activities, particularly those who are isolated or whose caregivers are experiencing burden. In this program, Veterans are provided with a budget for services, which they or their representative manage. The PCC will guide Veterans in hiring their own support staff to help them live independently in their homes or communities. The role involves educating Veterans about the VDC program, acting as an advocate and guide, identifying needs, developing personalized Spending Plans, and coordinating ongoing support. The PCC will also oversee the management of these Spending Plans in conjunction with the Veteran/AR, the Financial Management Service (FMS), and the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Initially, the PCC will manage an abbreviated caseload while supporting other essential programs within the Adult & Aging Service department, with the expectation that case management will become the primary focus as the program expands, managing up to 30-35 clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, sociology, gerontology, human services, public administration, nursing, or a closely related field.
• Five or more years of experience working with older adults, people with disabilities, human services; professional experience in delivery or coordination of social, protective, medical, mental health, or rehabilitative services; or general case management field.
• Experience with public benefits and programs, home visits, assessments, documentation, and government billing and/or compliance preferred.
• Criminal history background check required.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and be able to drive to and from client houses.
• Demonstrates ethical behaviors and professionalism, consistently exercising sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality in all work activities.
• Ability to make sound decisions by applying policies and procedures and using available resources.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers, demonstrating a positive approach and providing timely and thorough responses.
• Demonstrate strong empathy, patience, passion, persistence in solving client issues, as well as a desire to improve their circumstances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, community partners and clients from diverse backgrounds and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain documents, correspondence, files, and reports.
• Knowledge of records administration and maintenance techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations, advanced Microsoft Office applications, relevant software tools, and eligibility criteria for Medicaid, Medicare, and VDC programs.
• Performs tasks independently with minimal supervision, using sound judgment to plan, achieve objectives, and advocate for clients.
• Ability to anticipate the implications and consequences of situations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to notice, interpret and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Additional experience can be considered in lieu of education.
• Demonstrable leadership acumen within schooling or a practicum placement can be substituted for experience.

Responsibilities

• Respond quickly and efficiently to individuals contacting the information and referral line.
• Before a full case load is established, provide responsive service for customers across other Aging & Adult Service Programs.
• Process client referrals, responding promptly to veteran calls and inquiries.
• Conduct home visits to clients to conduct assessments.
• Process enrollment in VDC for each client.
• Provide ongoing case management through monthly phone check-ins and quarterly home visits.
• Update client information, maintaining accurate and comprehensive notes within the database as required.
• Help Veterans understand their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the VDC Handbook.
• Establish collaborative relationships with community partners.
• Perform fiscal duties as required by the VDC Program, ensuring accurate records of expenditures and generating monthly reports as needed.
• Monitor VDC spending alongside the Veteran, the Financial Management Service (FMS), the VAMC, and MARC’s fiscal department.
• Assist in innovation advocacy, internally and externally, for all program components.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program.
• Attends required training and meetings, ensuring compliance with regulations and staying informed on programmatic developments.
• Continuously updates knowledge of professional practices, community resources, and funding opportunities to support older adults and individuals with disabilities.
• Maintains all necessary certifications and completes required training in accordance with agency policies and program guidelines.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as requested.

Benefits

• 60-65k starting salary
• Flexible work schedule, working 3 days per week in person and up to 2 days per week from home
• Full benefits, including health, vision, dental, multiple retirement options and a benefit allowance
• Join a warm, collaborative, mission-focused team

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level