VDC Options Counselor-Puerto Rico Residents Only! (47907)

Bay Aging•Puerto Rico, PR

About The Position

Bay Aging is seeking a full-time Options Counselor for its Veterans Directed Care (VDC) program in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Applicants must currently live in Puerto Rico. The role provides person-centered counseling to Veterans enrolled in VDC, a program for 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. The counselor also monitors VDC spending with the Veteran, the Financial Management Service provider, and the VAMC. The position reports directly to the Options Counselor, Team Lead, VDC. The work is divided between home visits, including travel, and office work. Home-visit duties include conducting initial assessments, developing spending plans, helping Veterans become employers, facilitating new-hire appointments, completing required ongoing contacts and reassessments, and providing training or remediation on employer responsibilities. The suggested maximum caseload is 40 Veterans. Office duties include following up on referrals and service implementation; maintaining and monitoring confidential client information, services, and file notes in a database; completing VDC fiscal duties; maintaining expenditure records; preparing schedules and monthly reports; and administering a satellite office as assigned. The position performs a range of duties independently, organizes and prioritizes its schedule, maintains travel and expense reports, and provides regular reports and updates to the supervisor, including in conflict-resolution matters when warranted. This is an office-based position with minimal physical requirements and regular independent travel. Approximately 90% of essential functions can be performed remotely. The position is exempt. Bay Aging is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience working with seniors, disabled adults, human services, or in general case management.
Must currently reside in Puerto Rico to apply.
Ability to use Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and standard office equipment.
Skills in data entry and evaluation.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multitask.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal communication skills, face-to-face 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 and accurately recording and entering client data into computer systems in a timely manner.
Ability to work independently, handle varied duties autonomously, and report regularly to supervisors and coworkers.
Detail orientation and ability to maintain schedules, services, communications, and client advocacy.
Ability to establish and maintain trusting relationships with clients and their families and work well with agency departments and staff.
Criminal history background check required.
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.
Ability to travel independently on a regular basis.

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.
Work with Veterans to identify needs and develop spending plans.
Assess, identify, coordinate, and monitor supports and services on an ongoing basis.
Monitor VDC spending in coordination with the Veteran, Financial Management Service provider, and VAMC.
Conduct home visits and initial assessments, including travel to clients’ homes.
Assist Veterans with becoming employers and facilitate new-hire appointments.
Conduct monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual required contacts and reassessments as needed.
Provide training and remediation related to employer responsibilities.
Follow up on referrals and service implementation for clients.
Maintain, update, and monitor confidential client information, services, and file notes in the database program.
Perform fiscal duties under the Veterans Directed Care program, maintain accurate expenditure records, and generate required monthly reports.
Provide satellite office administration as assigned.
Plan and accomplish duties independently, organize and prioritize schedules, and maintain travel schedules and related expense reports.
Provide regular reports and updates to the supervisor, including in conflict-resolution matters when warranted.
Maintain client schedules, services, communications, and advocacy activities; establish trusting relationships with clients and families; and work effectively with agency departments, staff, and employees.