Veteran Directed Care Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Rolling Start, Inc., a Center for Independent Living, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides advocacy and services to people with disabilities in San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono counties. RSI's mission is to educate and empower people with disabilities to achieve the independent life of their choice. 

The Veteran Directed Care Specialist will be located at the Rolling Start office in San Bernardino but will be expected to travel throughout San Bernardino and Riverside County.

Organizational Role

Rolling Start, Inc. serves as the “Spoke” in the Veteran Directed Care model, working in partnership with the Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD) (“Hub”) to deliver high-quality, Veteran-centered services. The VDC Specialist ensures Veterans receive personalized, coordinated support that promotes independent living.

Position Summary

The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Specialist supports Veterans in managing their care to promote independent living in the community. This role provides guidance on budgeting, selecting services that best meet individual needs, hiring personal care workers, and purchasing necessary items or services. The Specialist ensures the seamless coordination, integration, and effective delivery of support services while upholding the Veteran’s autonomy in directing their care. As a person-centered organization rooted in the independent living philosophy, the Veteran Directed Care Specialist will serve as a peer mentor and role model for individuals with disabilities, demonstrating self-advocacy and independent living skills. This role fosters meaningful connections within the community while maintaining positive and effective relationships with the Hub and partner agencies to ensure collaborative, high-quality support for Veterans.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Veteran Support & Advocacy;

·         Provide support to approximately 30 Veterans per month, ensuring access to services that promote independent living, self-advocacy, and quality of life. 

Person-Centered Planning:

·         Conduct in-person intake meetings and quarterly visits as required by the VA. Utilize the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment to determine functional needs and develop consumer-driven support and spending plans in consultation with the Veteran and their chosen supports. 

Service Coordination & Community Liaison: 

·         Work collaboratively with the Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD), Loma Linda VA Center and local community agencies in San Bernardino County to arrange and implement long-term services and supports.

·         Assist Veterans with hiring, training, supervising, and terminating personal care workers, including employer/employee paperwork.

·         Coordinate transitions from medical and residential care facilities back into the community.

·         Work with Independent Living Specialists, AT Specialists, and AT Coordinators to connect Veterans with additional support services.

Fiscal & Administrative Responsibilities: 

·         Assist Veterans in reviewing, approving, and submitting timesheets to the Fiscal Management Service.

·         Monitor billing and expenditures, ensuring compliance with budgetary limits and timely employee payments.

·         Collaborate with CPWD’s Program Manager and Accounting Department to ensure the collection of assessment and admin fees.

·         Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided, including entering consumer data into the appropriate database.

Communication & Compliance: 

·         Maintain ongoing communication with the local VA Medical Center regarding Veteran status.

·         Ensure strict confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and other 

·         relevant regulations.

·         Adhere to the Independent Living Philosophy, demonstrating professionalism, ethics, and integrity in all interactions.

·         Maintain knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act.

·         Act as a mandatory reporter, recognizing and reporting signs of abuse as required by law.

Professional Development & Participation: 

·         Attend staff meetings, trainings, and program meetings as required.

·         Seek out position-related training opportunities to enhance knowledge and effectiveness.

·         Travel 20-30% as needed for direct services, meetings, and training.

·         Peer Mentorship & Consumer Empowerment: 

·         Serve as a peer mentor, modeling independent living skills and providing guidance to Veterans.

·         Offer peer-based support to Veterans, reinforcing their ability to direct their services and live independently.

Other Duties: 

·         Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education and Work Experience

·         Bachelor’s degree required in the area of social sciences and/or health-related field; 

·         2-4 years related professional experience;

·         Experience working with people with disabilities and/or older adults, preferably in a Veteran serving organization, Independent Living Center or Aging and Adult services organization. 

·         Able to work independently, make solid decisions and exercise sound judgment with consumer and community contacts.

·         Must be very organized and able to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines.

·         Valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record (if applicable).

·         Satisfactory background and motor vehicle check.

Interaction & Communication:

·         Engage professionally and effectively with Veterans, caregivers, internal staff, funders, and community partners to ensure seamless service coordination.

• Communicate complex information in a clear, consumer-friendly manner, adapting to diverse audiences and needs.
• Foster collaborative relationships while upholding the principles of independent living, consumer choice, and self-direction.