Options Counselor

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Resource and Quality Supervisor, provide person-centered long-term services and supports options counseling at the setting of the consumer’s choice, facilitate applying for benefits and services, and provide resources to address the consumer’s needs and preferences to live independently. Follow-up with the consumer. Complete timely documentation and reporting. Position is hybrid after all training is completed and performance criteria are met. Options counseling appointments will be in-person or virtual depending on the client's choice of setting. Service areas will be assigned for four available Options Counselor positions to cover Wayne, Monroe, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

·       Provide consumer-directed and interactive interviews with the consumer to develop a Person-Centered Action Plan for long-term services and supports within one month of referral.

·       Provide education, information and resources based on the consumer’s preferences, needs and goals, as determined by the consumer.

·       Facilitate access to Private Sector Services and Supports and Public Programs, and assistance with completion of benefit enrollment applications as applicable.

·       Respond to referrals within 24 business hours.

·       Follow-up with the consumer within two weeks following the development of the personalized action plan.

·       Provide options counseling at the setting of the consumer’s choice including but not limited to in person are the consumer’s home, hospital, nursing facility, assisted or independent living, community setting, via phone, or video conference.

·       Document all activities, contacts, assessments, referrals and consumer information in the database per program requirements.

·       Maintain updated Outlook Calendar and provide availability of appointments to the Supervisor on a monthly basis.

·       Participate in regular meetings, required trainings and stay informed of program updates.

·       Develop and maintain contact and professional relationship with partner agency staff to ensure seamless connections for consumers to access services and benefits.

·       Complete reports according to program requirements.

·       Maintain appropriate licensure.

·       Obtain and maintain PCOC certification.

·       Abide by all policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

·       This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

·       Knowledge of health and human services delivery and terminology.

·       Knowledge of programs, services and benefits available to consumers.

·       Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC) practices and the ability to provide TIC support.·  

·       Knowledge of person-centered practices and principles.

·       Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for providing decision support for people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.

·      Experience serving a diverse population in an equitable and inclusive manner in support of all of the following: race, age, religion, national origin, color, height, weight, marital status, gender identification or expression, sexual orientation, partisan considerations, disability or genetic information, culture and ethnic background.

Knowledge of disability issues and understanding/commitment to independent living philosophy.

·      Display strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and follow-up skills.

·       Display sound judgement and decision-making skills.

·       Display critical thinking and analytical skills.

·       Display strong self-management skills.

·       Ability to work independently and in a team environment with minimal supervision.

·       Display professional behavior and maintain appropriate boundaries.

·       Accept supervision and demonstrate an interest and willingness to continue personal and professional growth and skill development.

·       Work independently in a community-based setting throughout the service area.

·       Bi-lingual in Spanish or Arabic preferred.

·       Demonstrate strong computer skills specifically in Microsoft Office products.

·       Possess a valid Michigan Driver’s License and reliable transportation; have ability to travel within a geographic region utilizing own reliable transportation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

·       LLBSW, LBSW, CHW or minimum of one (1) year of experience providing similar services in a human service organization required.

·       Experience in person-centered planning, accessing long-term home and community-based services and supports addressing needs, preferences, goals, barriers and supports for older adults and adults with disabilities.

·       Demonstrated networking and relationship-building skills.

• Person-Centered Options Counseling Certification preferred.