Options Counselor

Description:

The Veterans Directed Care (VDC) Options Counselor provides person-centered guidance and support to veterans and their caregivers as they make informed decisions about home-based care.

The role involves assessing needs, identifying services and resources, developing individualized care and spending plans, and providing ongoing support to participants and caregivers.

This is a fully remote, home-office-based position. The employee must be able to work independently from a professional home office and travel regularly throughout the assigned service area. Travel may account for up to 50% of working time, with the service area extending up to approximately 2 hours from Durham.

A monthly in-person visit to the Norfolk headquarters is required. The VDC Options Counselor reports to the VDC Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete initial assessments and required documentation.
• Work with veterans and caregivers to identify needs, preferences, and appropriate services.
• Develop and monitor individualized care and spending plans.
• Help participants and caregivers understand their responsibilities and available services.
• Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support as needed.
• Conduct required monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual participant contacts.
• Follow up on referrals and ensure services are implemented appropriately.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records in electronic databases.
• Monitor participant spending, maintain accurate financial records, and complete required reports.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other agencies to connect veterans with additional resources.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with veterans, caregivers, professionals, and community partners.
• Provide education and presentations to community and professional groups.
• Use Cumulus and other web-based systems to maintain participant information, documentation, and program records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field, or at least two years of experience providing community-based services to older adults, people with disabilities, or veterans.
• Knowledge of aging, disability, veteran, consumer-directed, Medicaid, Medicare, or other benefit systems is preferred.
• Strong ability to research and connect individuals with community resources and services.
• Excellent listening, interviewing, assessment, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to empower and guide veterans and caregivers while maintaining a person-centered approach.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and manage changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and web-based software systems.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and applicable ethical standards.
• Comfortable working remotely while maintaining productivity, communication, and accountability.
• Comfortable traveling independently and conducting regular in-person visits in the field

Requirements:

Remote Work & Travel Requirements

• Fully remote position with a dedicated home office.
• Employee must maintain a professional, reliable home-office environment suitable for confidential work and virtual meetings.
• Up to 50% of working time may involve travel.
• Regular travel is required throughout the assigned service area, extending up to approximately 2 hours from Durham.
• Travel includes visits to veterans’ homes and community locations.
• Monthly in-person attendance at the Norfolk headquarters is required.
• Must be comfortable working independently while balancing remote responsibilities with frequent field visits.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, or two years of relevant community-based service experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable personal vehicle and current auto insurance.
• Good driving record.
• Ability to pass an acceptable criminal background check.