Options Counselor

This position is responsible for assessing the needs of individuals and/or their caregivers by providing information and referral services enabling them to make informed decisions based on available options. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Conduct initial assessments, via phone or in-person, to determine client needs.
2. Establish rapport with an inquirer and use active listening skills to determine the presenting problem.
3. Assess client's current health condition, family supports in place and identify possible resource options.
4. Provide eligibility screening to determine level of care criteria for public funded programs.
5. Based on assessment, provides options to institutional care.
6. Develop care plans for assigned clients and initiates services.
7. Complete required client documentation according to program requirements. Records accurate transaction information for use in reports.
8. Assess and monitors applicants on waiting list as assigned.
9. Develop working relationships with area organizations, community resources and service providers. Makes contacts with medical offices and businesses as assigned.
10. Conduct outreach activities for service referrals.
11. Meet and maintain on an annual basis certification and training requirements of the FSSA Division on Aging.
12. Travel locally as needed.
13. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience  An individual continuously employed as a Care Manager by an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) since June 30, 2018; or  A registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or an associate's degree in nursing with at least one year of experience serving the program population; or  A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Gerontology, Nursing or Health & Human Services; or  A Bachelor’s Degree in any field with a minimum of two years full-time, direct service experience with older adults or person with disabilities (this experience includes assessment, care plan development, and monitoring); or  A Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Gerontology, Nursing or Health & Human Services; or  An Associate’s degree in any field with a minimum four years full-time, direct service experience with older adults or persons with disabilities (this experience includes assessment, care plan development, and monitoring