Options Counselor

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

Under supervision of the Integrated Services Director, the Options Counselor will coordinate services to older adults and adults with disabilities, and/or their caregivers who need intermittent short term services and/or long term support and services of the LifeLong Links - Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Program. For the seven county service area, the Options Counselor will manage multiple resources, assist the person to streamline access to appropriate and necessary services, and ensure the person's health, safety, and welfare. The Options Counselor will work in a team environment to support the Heritage care continuum offered through effective coordination, support and appropriate referrals. Assistance is provided to individuals in person, in their home setting, office setting, virtually and over the phone.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides over-the-phone and in-home assessment, planning, referral and linkage, and ongoing monitoring of consumer's needs and interventions Provides person-center counseling on private and public funded services and long term care support available to individuals based upon an assessment of their needs, values, and goals Collaborates with other agency staff, community members, clients, clients' families, providers, supervisors, professionals, and volunteers Completes the intake/assessment/intervention plan in accordance with Iowa Code Chapters 17, 231, and Iowa Department on Aging (IDA)'s standard operating procedures Collect and record data on services provided, as well as other Outcome Measures area required by IDA Ensures activities and documentation comply with all local, state, and federal requirements Participates in quality assurance activities for the program Keeps current on program related information, initiatives, requirements, and resources by attending agency provider presentations and other community trainings as needed Develops and maintain relationships with key individuals and entities in the community Represents the agency for organization, local, regional, and state committees, events, and meetings as assigned Requires a high degree of discretion when discussing issues with individuals seeking assistance, thus sensitive and confidential information must be handled according to specific procedures. Performs other related work duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences
• Provide outstanding service to our customers (other agency staff, subcontractors, volunteers, clients, and others) over the phone and in person.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and solve problems independently
• Work effectively as a team member as well as solve problems independently
• Demonstrate consistent and regular attendance at work
• Read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form
• Be able to effectively utilize technology and computers including, but not limited to, office equipment, word processing, spreadsheets, and database software
• Positive, compassionate and adaptable in stressful situations.
• Positive, compassionate and adaptable in stressful situations.
• Show a commitment to detail and accuracy

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH OR WITHOUT A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Working Conditions Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in human services field; or License to practice as a registered nurse; or Bachelor's degree in another field and two years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning; or Associate's degree and four years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning; or License to practice as a licensed practical nurse and four years of experience working in the areas of aging, disabilities, community health, or hospital discharge planning.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

Must have a valid driver's license from the state of Iowa and vehicle with valid insurance for required travel. Must complete Person-Centered Counseling Core Curriculum within 30 days of employment. Must be willing to be

AIRS A/D

certified within 6 months of being hired.

• Become certified as a Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Report within 30 days of being hired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS

Experience with disability and/or aging services area preferred. Insurance Heritage Area Agency on Aging provides a competitive compensation and benefit package, including employer paid term life, disability, health, dental and vision insurance, a flexible benefits account and contribution to a retirement program for each full-time staff member.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$23.31 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Cedar Rapids, IA 52404