Senior Program Counselor

Grand Traverse County Michigan

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Grand Traverse County is seeking a Senior Program Counselor to provide information, assistance, advice, and guidance to individuals seeking public benefits and government services. This role involves interviewing and counseling clients, researching claims, determining eligibility, and providing referral services. The Senior Program Counselor acts as an advocate and may train, guide, or lead case management assistants. Employees are expected to work as part of a team to meet objectives and must be able to perform all essential duties with or without reasonable accommodations. This position may require irregular hours and travel in the employee's own vehicle.

Requirements

Associate’s (two-year) degree in Counseling or a related field.
Two to four years of related experience.
A four-year college degree in a related field may substitute for up to one year of required experience.
Two years directly related experience may substitute for each year of the education requirement, if there is demonstrated knowledge, ability, and skills to perform the work.
Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle insurance and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's Vehicle policy.
Satisfactory background check, which may include identity confirmation, criminal conviction records review, educational verification, DMV records review, fingerprint scan, and drug/alcohol testing.
Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions.
Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and terminology applicable to the assigned subject area or program.
Knowledge of community resources relevant to the assigned program or subject area.
Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer for reports, records, and data compilation.
Skill in operating modern office equipment (personal computer, facsimile, copiers, scanners, telephones).
Skill in researching and resolving problems to ensure compliance.
Skill in assessing clients’ needs and assisting them in seeking solutions.
Ability to effectively manage a high volume of cases.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions.
Ability to assess and provide guidance within an area of specialized knowledge.
Ability to interpret and explain policies, processes, regulations, and laws in layman’s terms.
Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
Ability to display tact, emotional stability, and patience with distressed individuals and make immediate decisions in difficult/emergency situations.
Ability to think analytically, apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity.
Ability to facilitate meetings effectively and efficiently.
Ability to effectively assess and guide individuals and their families.
Ability to comprehend, process, and apply verbal and written skills.
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently.

Nice To Haves

May be required to serve in an “on-call” capacity.

Responsibilities

Advises and counsels clients, providing information on available services and benefits, and referring them to appropriate agencies when necessary. Updates clients on changes and coordinates appointment scheduling.
Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates information related to assigned programmatic areas and makes recommendations.
Checks and certifies cases to ensure all necessary documentation and criteria are met.
Assists clients and their families in filing applications for services and benefits, acting as a liaison between the client/family and outside agencies.
Writes appeals for determinations made by federal, state, and local agencies.
May act as an authorized agent or custodian for emergency relief programs and intervene in emergent situations.
May oversee the daily operation of departmental programs, including coordinating transportation.
Participates in meetings and committees with other agencies, service organizations, hospitals, and community groups to exchange information.
Serves as a liaison between the assigned programmatic area and other internal departments, external agencies, and interested parties.
Corresponds with agencies to secure documentation for claims or services from State and County agencies.
Conducts field visits to assist clients who cannot come to the office to file for benefits and services.
Prepares and facilitates training sessions and/or presentations on available programs.
Maintains information, data, and statistics on operational activities and prepares reports.
Assists attorneys with preparing victims for hearings and/or trials.

Benefits

Medical: High-deductible plan through Priority Health with up to $2,000 annual contribution to employee Health Savings Account.
Vision: No cost plan for employees, with an enhanced plan option through EyeMed.
Dental: Provider is Delta Dental, with no cost or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
Wellness: Incentives and programs to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Employee Recognition: Awards and recognition throughout the year and on anniversary dates.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in accredited college, university, or trade school courses.
Vacation: Generous amount of vacation days for benefitted employees.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year, plus additional floating holidays.
Personal Leave: Up to 72 hours annually, with unused leave paid out annually up to 40 hours.
Parental Leave: Up to 6 months of leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Retirement: Defined contribution through MERS with a generous match that fully vests after 6 years.
457(b) Retirement Plans: Optional deferred compensation and Roth plans with matching contributions.
Life Insurance: Automatic coverage for benefitted employees.
Short Term Disability: Pays two-thirds of salary/wages for up to 182 days.
Long Term Disability: Pays 60 percent of salary/wages for up to 24 months.