Options Counselor (Social Services)

Options Counselor

The person in this position will directly support program activities related to Community Living Connections, providing person centered needs assessments, resource options counseling, referrals, and follow-up based on consumer preferences and situational context for long term care supports.

Our Mission: As an Area Agency on Aging we promote well-being, independence, dignity, and choice for older persons and all individuals needing long-term care in our five-county area. Our Values: At Aging & Long Term Care, we have four core values: Dignity, Compassion, Knowledge, and Service. Our work is guided by a shared set of values that reflect our commitment to the people and communities we serve. These values shape how we show up for older adults, people living with disabilities, caregivers, and each other. They're more than words on paper, they are the foundation of our mission and the spirit behind every connection that we make. Our Culture: Our agency possesses a positive, welcoming environment. We provide a variety of wellness services, foster employee engagement through peer recognition and regular staff social activities. Our employee assistance programs foster health and well-being. Employees are regularly offered opportunities to socialize together, and volunteer in the community.

Key Essential Functions:

1. Performs person-centered comprehensive needs assessments, including mental, physical, functional, cultural, financial, environmental, and life goals to determine appropriate referrals on availability and use of community resources they may qualify for.
2. Help clients develop preliminary goals and action steps, long-term support counseling, conduct information gathering and provide short-term follow-up based on consumer preferences to help ensure client goals are met.
3. Helps ensure program standards are met by achieving client service program goals.
4. Provides personal phone or community visits with clients in Spokane County.
5. Ensure all client records are accurately maintained in GetCare, by following the documentation policies and network standards.
6. Provides information, referrals and assistance through telephone, walk-in or email intake, as needed.
7. Maintain a thorough knowledge of long-term services and support in the community by attending state-provided and other pertinent training.
8. Assists with and leads periodic public education sessions on senior services as assigned.
9. Provides support in evaluative and quality assurance activities as assigned.
10. Engages in interagency collaboration and education regarding long term support counseling services in order to facilitate shared information and consistency of services.
11. Participate in continuing education and peer counseling workshops and activities.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Demonstrated competence as well as compassion to perform person-centered long-term support counseling with older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Proficient with MS Suite.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating circumstances and suggesting supports.
• Ability to write case notes and related reports.
• Ability to perform data entry with speed and accuracy and to quickly learn software platforms that change to support delivery systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in written form.
• Ability to summarize data, prepare reports and make recommendations based on findings which contribute to solving problems and achieving work objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of other social agencies, institution officials, the public and clients.
• Ability to be approachable and flexible in working with diverse groups.
• Ability and enthusiasm for working collaboratively on a team.
• Knowledge of physical, cognitive, social and psychological aspects of aging and disabilities

Physical Demands:

• Ability to operate a personal vehicle driving to home visits (within Spokane County) as needed. Demands average 75-100 miles per month depending on client needs.
• Skilled in typing, keyboarding includes up to 7.5 hours per day. Occasional periods of writing.
• Exhibits manual dexterity for effective operation of vehicle controls, typing and writing.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 lbs., including laptops and client files, includes abilities to push, pull, stretch, reach, and maneuver in various directions.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk, including navigating stairs and uneven terrain, while utilizing bending, stooping, and climbing as needed to access materials.
• Maintains visual acuity at various distances and operates in diverse environmental conditions, including both indoor and outdoor noisy settings while navigating safely.
• Ability to speak and listen adequately for interacting with both employees and the public, whether in person or over the phone.

Behavioral Standards:

Maintains a friendly, courteous, and respectful demeanor toward clients, coworkers, and volunteers. Exhibits compassion for our clients and their well-being. Communicates effectively in one-on-one and small group settings. Capable of being a collaborative team member contributing to the organization's goals. Takes initiative to achieve work objectives and consistently demonstrates honest and ethical behaviors. Establishes positive relationships with clients, volunteers, coworkers, team, and supervisors. Represents the agency in a positive and professional manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Field experience must be paid, full-time, on-the-job, and be related to social services and supporting vulnerable populations (older adults, adults' w/disabilities).
• Must be able to perform word processing and data entry tasks at a minimum of 45 words per minute.
• This position requires a criminal background check that qualifies the individual to work with vulnerable adults (WAC 388-133).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Minimum Education + Experience:

• High school diploma/GED + 4 years of experience in above field or
• High school diploma/GED + 3 years of experience in above field, and bilingual or bicultural background or
• Associate of Arts degree (or equivalent coursework) + 2 years of experience in above field.

Preferred Education + Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (any field) + 2 years of social service experience or
• Bachelor's degree in social work, behavioral or health sciences + 1-year social service experience or
• Master's degree (any field) + social service experience.

Benefits:

• 37.5-hour full-time work week
• Medical insurance (5 plan options) with low deductibles; premiums are paid 100% for the employee
• Dental insurance (3 plan options); premiums are paid for the employee and family members
• Vision care insurance
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Generous paid vacation and sick leave, plus 12 paid holidays
• Flexible spending accounts for qualifying medical and dependent care expenses
• Department of Retirement Systems pension/retirement plan
• 457/Roth payroll IRA options
• Wellness and employee assistance program
• Paid premiums for Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave and WA long term care benefits
• Ample training for development of program expertise and personal growth
• We are a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program