Options Counselor

The Options Counselor performs a variety of professional duties related to consumer\-directed, short\-term decision\-making and support to consumers, family members, caregivers, and others requesting information and assistance from the Area Agency on Aging. This includes, but is not limited to, gathering appropriate information for screening, intake, assistance, and access to benefits and services and making viable referrals to community resources based upon consumer preferences, needs and goals. Ensure prompt and appropriate referrals and follow up. Provide Options Counseling via in\-person, telephone, walk\-in, e\-mail, or other virtual means to include other virtual platforms. Maintain a comprehensive resource database on community organizations, long term care services, public and private payer resources, applications, etc. Track and gather data, data entry, and the necessary information to meet job duties and ensure required reports are accurate and complete. Engage in interagency collaboration, education, outreach, and marketing opportunities related to Options Counseling, Information, and Referral services. The Option Counselor reports directly to the HCBS Director but will also work closely with the Assistant AAA Director and AAA Director who will also provide some direction and day\-to\-day oversight. Options Counselor does not provide any direct supervision of other staff. Provide professional duties related to consumer\-directed, person\-centered, short\-term decision making and support to consumers, family members, caregivers, and others requesting information and assistance from the Area Agency on Aging. This includes but is not limited to: · Manage all incoming calls for the Area Agency on Aging related to inquiries about services and supports and available community resources including any calls from potential consumers, caregivers, providers, and community partners. This includes new callers and follow\-up calls to support information, referral, screening, and completion of appropriate intakes. · Gather information necessary to ensure services and support options provided, and referrals made, are viable and appropriate based on consumer preferences, needs and goals. · Provide options counseling via in\-person, telephone, walk\-in, email and other virtual means as appropriate and applicable to the individual, taking into consideration any accommodation. Complete screenings, intakes, assistance with applications and access to public benefits and community services both within the agency and through viable referrals to community resources based upon consumer preference, needs and goals. Ensure timely and appropriate referrals and follow up is made. Track and gather data and information necessary to ensure required reports are accurate and complete, assure all consumer electronic and paper records are maintained according to program procedures and standards, including assuring confidentiality and HIPAA compliance. Enter client demographics, completed intakes and other documentation into required database(s) for tracking and reporting purposes. And complete required reporting and documentation of service activities. Use approved database(s) including but not limited to: Mon Ami, PRISM/PEGA for tracking I\&R activities, demographic information, intakes and screening, program reporting, etc. In conjunction with the Director of Home \& Community Based Services, maintain an applicant list of intakes by program based upon risk score. Prepare monthly Aging Waiver Report. Maintain a comprehensive database of community organizations, long term care services, and public and private payer resources to support consumer\-directed, person\-centered support and services. Gathering information necessary to ensure services and support options provided, and referrals made are viable and appropriate based on consumer preferences, needs and goals. Work closely with supervisors and other key staff to actively pursue and engage in outreach and marketing opportunities and in reaching out to community agencies and organizations to generate referrals. Engage in interagency collaboration and education regarding options counseling services and the Area Agency on Aging programs. Provide additional support to AAA Director, Assistant AAA Director, and HCBS Director with general administrative activities and other duties as assigned. Education and Experience: 1\. Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred but not required plus minimum of one year of experience working with older adults and/or individuals with disabilities. 2\. Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, organizational and follow\-up skills with understanding of consumer\-directed, person\-centered service delivery to include intake, screening, information, and referral. 3\. Preference given to individuals with direct case management experience, experience with long term care support and services and knowledge of community resources and local service systems for older adults and persons with disabilities. 4\. Must have basic computer skills to include Word, Excel, and web\-based software programs. Must have the ability to work effectively with public, co\-workers and professionals with knowledge of general office procedures and phone etiquette. 5\. Must be able to work Monday – Thursday and as needed Fridays between 9\-3pm. Due to the job duties this position does not allow for the option for remote/work from home/flex schedule. 6\. Must be able to make autonomous decisions with minimum supervision. 7\. Must have valid driver’s license and travel as needed. Must pass criminal background check. The Five County Association of Governments is looking for a professional individual who provides high\-quality customer service by utilizing great interpersonal communication, problem\-solving, and facilitation skills while answering phone calls and meeting with walk\-in clients, in a fun and empathetic work environment. If you are interested in making an impact on Southern Utah by assisting our senior populations to improve their livelihoods, please consider joining our team. RESPONSIBILITIES: · Perform a variety of professional duties related to consumer\-directed, short\-term decisions and support to consumers, family members, caregivers, and others requesting information and assistance from the Area Agency on Aging. · Manage incoming calls and referrals, gathering appropriate information for screening, intake, assistance, and access to services, and making viable referrals to community resources based upon consumer preferences, needs, and goals. · Ensure prompt and appropriate referrals and follow\-up. Provide Options Counseling via in\-person, telephone, walk\-in, e\-mail, or other virtual platforms. · Maintain a comprehensive resource database on community organizations, long\-term care services, public and private payer resources, applications, etc. Track and gather data and necessary information to meet job duties and ensure required reports are accurate, and complete data entry and other reporting. · Engage in interagency collaboration, education, outreach, and marketing opportunities related to Options Counseling, Information, and referral services. Hours will range between 20\-29 weekly · Other related responsibilities as needed. EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED: · Minimum one year of experience working with elderly populations, providing options counseling, Information and Referral, and/or experience completing intakes/screening. · Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel for work\-related activities. · Preference is given to individuals with direct case management experience, experience with long\-term care supports and services, and knowledge of community resources and local service systems for older adults and persons with disabilities. · Must have good computer and data entry skills including Word, Excel, and web\-based software programs. · Must have the ability to work effectively with the public, co\-workers, and professionals with knowledge of general office procedures and phone etiquette. Job Type: Part\-time Pay: From $22\.90 per hour Benefits: Employee assistance program Paid time off * Retirement plan Work Location: In person