Veteran's Directed Care / Options Counselor

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the VDC Manager, the Veterans Directed Care (VDC) / Options Counselor exercises independent judgment in providing person-centered counseling and program oversight for veterans of all ages at risk of nursing home placement. This role is responsible for assessing client needs; developing, authorizing, and monitoring individualized spending plans; ensuring compliance with Veterans Affairs (VA) and VDC program requirements; and advising veterans on financial, employer, and service coordination responsibilities.

The Options Counselor serves as a primary program resource, collaborating with veterans, the Financial Management Service provider, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) to ensure effective service delivery, fiscal accountability, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program Oversight & Client Advising

• Conduct comprehensive in-home assessments, enrollments and periodic reassessments to determine service needs, risks, and eligibility.
• Develop, approve, and oversee individualized spending plans in accordance with VDC and VA program guidelines.
• Advise veterans on employer responsibilities, including hiring, training, supervision, and corrective actions related to their workers.
• Provide ongoing consultation, training, and remediation to veterans to ensure program compliance and successful self-direction.

Compliance, Monitoring & Financial Accountability

• Monitor VDC expenditures and service utilization in collaboration with veterans, the Financial Management Service provider, and VAMC partners.
• Analyze spending trends and service outcomes to identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain oversight of program documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Prepare and submit required monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports to meet contractual and funding requirements.

Program Coordination & Independent Judgment

• Maintain and manage a complex caseload while independently prioritizing assessments, follow-ups, and compliance activities.
• Evaluate referrals and determine appropriate services and resource linkages based on professional judgment.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource for VDC policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Identify gaps in services, training needs, or system processes and recommend improvements to management.

Collaboration & Representation

• Coordinate with community providers, agencies, and internal partners to ensure continuity of care and service quality.
• Represent LOA in meetings with VA partners, service providers, and community stakeholders as assigned.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the level of responsibility of the position.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in matters of program compliance, service coordination, and financial oversight.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret program guidelines, policies, and service outcomes.
• Advanced organizational and time-management skills in managing a complex caseload independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including professional documentation and reporting.
• Ability to mediate conflicts and advise veterans on employment and service-related issues.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, data management standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard office equipment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with veterans, families, agencies, and colleagues.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Gerontology, Community Organization, or related fields preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience involving program coordination, compliance oversight, counseling, or human services administration.
• Relevant college coursework or training may substitute for experience at a rate of one year of education for nine months of required experience.

Physical Requirements

• Periodic sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to sit for extended times while driving extended distances.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to access and navigate facilities and client homes.
• Ability to access and operate company equipment, including vehicles.

Special Requirements

• Valid Virginia driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Come join us!

• $400/mo auto allowance!
• You'll get up to $12,000/yr of paid insurance premiums!
• You'll get dollar-for-dollar matching on retirement savings up to 8%!
• You'll receive approximately 15 days of paid Sick and Vacation each year!
• You'll receive approximately 15 days of paid Holiday each year!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing and able to travel throughout the Commonwealth of VA and occasionally to bordering states, if needed?

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: Remote