Boston ElderINFO (BEI) Options Counselor (OC) - Boston Senior Home Care

Job Title:            Boston ElderINFO (BEI) Options Counselor (OC)

Business Unit:    Special Programs

Department:       Boston ElderINFO (515)

Reports to:         Program Manager I, BEI

FLSA:                  Exempt

Classification:     Regular Full - Time (35 hours)

Grade:                 9

Salary Range:     $43,515 - $54,289 (commensurate with experience)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Overview

The goal of the OC is to assist individuals in need of long term services and supports (LTSS) to make informed choices of setting and services, resources to help pay for supports and services, referrals to experts in the individual's particular disability as needed, and assistance in connecting with appropriate resources using a No Wrong Door (NWD) approach. Options counseling is a core function of the Suffolk County Aging and Disability Resource Consortia (ADRC).

Essential Functions:

Essential Job functions: Duties _______ through _______are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job. All other job duties are secondary functions. [TBD]

1. Provides Options Counseling, person centered needs assessments, referrals, preliminary care planning, and short- term follow-up for consumers needing long term supports based on their needs and preferences, working with consumers, family members and case workers by phone and in person, including mental; physical; functional; cultural; financial; environmental; and life goals to determine appropriate referrals.
2. Coordinates all Option Counseling, acts in the capacity of the primary Options Counselor; develops training materials; develops resource information; and provides training to BSHC staff on Options Counseling.
3. Designated as Options Counselor for BSHC in meeting all coordination, training, and reporting requirements of the ADRC.
4. Provides Options Counseling training for BSHC staff.
5. Provides information and referral to the public regarding aging, caregiver, and disability programs and services by phone and in person.
6. Determines client eligibility based on program guidelines;
7. Maintains applicant database;
8. Manages closed client files in accordance with established records management and retention programs.
9. Develops marketing materials and implements strategies to educate public of OC services and coordinates efforts and referrals with community disability agencies and ADRC partners within the community. May make presentations regarding department programs and services to various groups, and/or participate in various community partnerships.
10. Meet on a regular basis with the ADRC team and adhere to ADRC protocols, standards, and policies.
11. Refer elders and people with disabilities to other ADRC partners and referral sources, based upon established ADRC protocols.

Competencies:

• Excellent computer skills.
• Strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Knowledge of procedures and practices relating to the benefits and services available to older adults, caregivers and individuals 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.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle difficult inter-personal dynamics and situations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to network and maintain positive, effective relationships with the community agencies, providers, families, consumers and the general public.
• Ability to be flexible and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work constructively as a team member.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The employee must be able to carry a 15 to 20 pound load
• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travel:

This position required up to 60% travel.

Must be able to travel to the community to perform visits at consumers' homes and other venues (may have limited accessibility), and travel under all weather conditions

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Gerontology, Psychology, Counseling or related field. Master's Degree in Social Work a plus.
• Three to five years' experience in social work, psychology, counseling or related field and experience in coordinating services for one or more of the target populations.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

None required for this position

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must clear CORI background check

AAP/EEO Statement:

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Male/Female/Veteran/Disabled Boston Senior Home Care affirms and supports diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.