Options Counselor - Veterans Directed Care

Description

The Veterans Directed Care (VDC) Options Counselor provides person-centered guidance and support to veterans and their caregivers as they make informed decisions about home-based care.

The role involves assessing needs, identifying services and resources, developing individualized care and spending plans, and providing ongoing support to participants and caregivers.

The VDC Options Counselor reports to the VDC Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete initial assessments and required documentation.
• Work with veterans and caregivers to identify needs, preferences, and appropriate services.
• Develop and monitor individualized care and spending plans.
• Help participants and caregivers understand their responsibilities and available services.
• Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support as needed.
• Conduct required monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual participant contacts.
• Follow up on referrals and ensure services are implemented appropriately.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records in electronic databases.
• Monitor participant spending, maintain accurate financial records, and complete required reports.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other agencies to connect veterans with additional resources.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with veterans, caregivers, professionals, and community partners.
• Provide education and presentations to community and professional groups.
• Use Cumulus and other web-based systems to maintain participant information, documentation, and program records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field, or at least two years of experience providing community-based services to older adults, people with disabilities, or veterans.
• Knowledge of aging, disability, veteran, consumer-directed, Medicaid, Medicare, or other benefit systems is preferred.
• Strong ability to research and connect individuals with community resources and services.
• Excellent listening, interviewing, assessment, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to empower and guide veterans and caregivers while maintaining a person-centered approach.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and manage changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and web-based software systems.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and applicable ethical standards.
• Comfortable working remotely while maintaining productivity, communication, and accountability.
• Comfortable traveling independently and conducting regular in-person visits in the field.

Travel Requirements

• Travel includes visits to veterans’ homes and community locations.
• Must be comfortable working independently while balancing remote responsibilities with frequent field visits.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, or two years of relevant community-based service experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable personal vehicle and current auto insurance.
• Good driving record.
• Ability to pass an acceptable criminal background check