
Job Location Montross Care Management Office - Montross, VA 22520 Position Type Full Time Salary Range $48,000.00 - $55,000.00 Salary/year
Options Counselor-Veteran Directed Care Location: Montross or Middle Peninsula Offices
Provides person- centered counseling services to Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Directed Care program. VDC is a program that serves eligible veterans of any age who are at risk of nursing home placement. The Options Counselor is responsible for educating Veterans on the Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program, as Advocate and coach, the Options Counselor works with the Veteran to identify their needs and develop a Spending Plan to meet those needs. He or she works with the Veteran to assess, identify, coordinate and monitor supports and services on an ongoing basis. The Options Counselor supports the Veteran in the creation and management of their individualized Spending Plan. The Options Counselor monitors all VDC spending along with the Veteran, the Financial Management Service (FMS) provider and the VAMC. Reports directly to Director, Community Living Programs. Salary: $45,000/yr-$55,000/yr
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Home visits (50% including travel time): This includes initial assessments, development of a spending plan, assisting the Veteran with the process of becoming an employer, facilitating new hire appointments, conducting monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual required contacts and reassessments as needed. Provide training and remediation as necessary related to employer responsibilities. Suggested maximum case load 50 veterans per Options Counselor.
2. Office work (50%): Follow up on referrals and service implementations for clients. Maintains, updates, and monitors clients' confidential information, services and file notes in data base program as required. Performs fiscal duties as required under Veterans Directed Care program. Maintains accurate records of expenditures, schedules & generates monthly reports as required; responsible for satellite office administration as assigned.
DECISION MAKING:
• Performs a range of tasks and duties independently, without direct supervision. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, advocate for clients, families, community partners.
• Maintains travel schedule and related expense reports. Organizes and prioritizes schedule and duties independently.
• Provides regular reports and updates to supervisor in conflict resolution if warranted.
KNOWLEDGE:
Has knowledge of:
HIPAA regulations
Microsoft Office programs (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, e-mail).
Other computer programs as related to job performance.
-General Medicaid & Medicare eligibility criteria.
-Bay Aging corporate policies and procedures.
- Use of agency data base systems — training provided, as needed.
-Stays current in the knowledge of the profession, community resources and funding opportunities available to seniors and disabled adults. Utilizes knowledge in advocacy of-client needs.
- Maintains certifications and other training as required under agency policies or as mandated by program guidelines.
ABILITIES:
• Prioritize needs and actions to advocate on client's behalf.
• Detail oriented — maintain schedule, services, communications & advocacies for Clients.
• Establish and maintain trusting relationships with clients and their families in all circumstances Interact and work well with other agency departments, staff & employees.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with other professionals, medical providers, and contractors on behalf of Agency.
• Public relations & marketing — Good communication skills both orally and in writing; through reports, newsletters, file notes and correspondence; composed and comfortable in public speaking arenas.
• Work in and away from the office, including community events as assigned. Self-starter
• Work under pressure or crisis situations; easily adapts to changes. Attend trainings, meetings as required.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Office-based position with minimal physical requirements (ability to lift 15 lbs., walking and climbing stairs). Requires regular independent travel around the area served by Bay Aging. Approximately 90% of the essential functions of the position can be performed remotely.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or medical field preferred.
Have 3 or more years of experience working with seniors, disabled adults, human services or general case management field.
Criminal History background check required.
Must possess a valid driver's license and proof of current PPD test & Flu vaccinations.
FLSA status: This is an exempt position.
Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. From time to time, the supervisor will ask job holder to perform additional duties related to the completion of the work.
Bay Aging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran, or disability status. Bay Aging is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact MaDena DuChemin, Human Resource Manager at (804) 758-2396, Ext. 1228 or mduchemin@bayaging.org.

For over 40 years, Bay Aging has been caring for older adults and people with disabilities in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula with meals, home and personal care, public transportation, home repairs and living options. Our goal is to help people live independently in their own homes and communities surrounded by their own things and, wherever possible, their families and friends. Our top priority is to keep independence, home and community at the hub of life in the rural counties we serve.
Last year Bay Aging’s services affected over 23,000 lives! Every year, we:
• Deliver over 144,000 meals to those who might otherwise not have a reliable source of food.
• Provide over 140,000 public transportation rides that help people of all ages access jobs, health services, education and other consumer needs.
People want to age safely in their homes and communities. To help them realize this goal, Bay Aging’s Housing Division owns and operates ten income-restricted senior apartment complexes throughout the region providing safe and affordable homes for 366 full-time residents. Additionally, residents benefit from receiving the social supports they need to ensure healthy, independent living.
Bay Aging’s health division provides in-home care and companionship services and transitional care services for recently discharged at-risk, chronically ill patients through our VAAACares® program. Adult day care provides a safe haven for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other disabilities so that they can thrive and live with their families longer. The award-winning Veterans Directed Care program provides essential support services for nursing home eligible veterans of all ages who want to continue living at home.