Options Counselor

**$1,000 Sign-On Bonus and $100 Gas Gift Card

Under the supervision of the Community Supports Manager, the Options Counselor assists individuals with disabilities in need of long-term care services to make informed choices about resources, services and settings based on the consumer's needs and preferences. We are seeking applicants with experience in service coordination type work with persons with all types of disabilities and elders in the human service field, as well as those passionate about helping others and willingness to show a commitment to Independent Living philosophy. Applicants must have a strong ability to organize their time between community-based visits and required paperwork/documentation.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide non-biased counseling on the different options available for long term care, which will vary depending on each consumer's situation.
• Discuss and gather information about the consumer's medical, physical, emotional, and financial resources.
• Provide information and educate the consumer about public, private and informal services and programs that are available.
• Offer support and guidance in making long term care decisions that will meet the consumer's personal preferences and goals.
• Assist the consumer in developing a service plan that is consumer directed and includes resources, programs, and supports agreed upon by the consumer.
• Provide timely and accurate assistance with referrals to support the consumer in accessing the agreed upon supports.
• Follow-up by communicating and consulting with the consumer as needed, to determine the outcomes of previous contacts and to offer additional assistance in locating or using services as necessary.
• Create and maintain case files comprised of contacts, progress notes, and correspondence.
• Complete all documentation required for measuring quality and achievement of outcomes.
• Participate in activities to assist the ADRC in gaining visibility and trust with community agencies, providers and the public.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or Related Field.
• Three to five years experience in social work, psychology, counseling or related field or experience in coordinating services for one or more of the target populations.
• Independent travel and reliable transportation required.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Good knowledge of procedures and practices relating to the benefits and services available to older adults and persons with disabilities.
• Active listening, interviewing, and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of the long term care and social service delivery systems, community resources and the local service system.
• Knowledge of human behavior, family dynamics, interpersonal relations, social interaction and social problems.
• Ability to organize and plan work effectively; communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; handle difficult inter-personal dynamics and situations; take appropriate action; be flexible, work in a fast-paced environment and work constructively as a team member.
• Ability to network and maintain positive, effective relationships with the community agencies, providers, families, consumers, and the public.

The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages persons with disabilities, women, veterans, persons of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to apply for this position. Reasonable accommodation is provided as needed for employees and other affiliates.