Veteran Independence Program Advisor

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

Position Overview: Through the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program, the Veterans Independence Program (VIP) advisor works in collaboration with the local Veteran Administration (VA) and the Hub agency (CPWD) to provide support services to Orange and Los Angeles County Veterans, ensuring they obtain access to services and supports to live independently in the community, and improve their quality of life.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

● Maintain a minimum active caseload of 45 consumers through the Veteran Directed Care Program;

● Use the activities of daily living assessment to determine each Veterans’ functional needs;

● Facilitate the development, implementation, and documentation of Veteran directed support and spending plans, monitoring services and problem solving for Veterans at the direction of the Veteran or their representative;

● Assists Veterans with managing a budget, deciding what services best meet their needs, and purchasing items or services in order to live independently in the community;

● Assist Veterans with hiring, training, supervising, and terminating of employees, including completing employer/employee paperwork as needed;

● Ensures that the Veteran and/or their representative are the ones directing the services;

● Help the Veteran and/or their representative evaluate the effectiveness of their plan and established services;

● Required by the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) to visit Veterans in person a minimum of quarterly and have intake meetings in person for new veterans;

● Keep the local VA Medical Center in collaboration with the Hub (CPWD) informed about the Veteran’s status;

● Collaborate with military and civilian community resources;

● Maintain timely, complete, and accurate database documentation;

● Maintain strict confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations;

● Travel up to 60% of the time for direct services, meetings, and trainings as needed;

● Work with the Fiscal Management Service, helping the Veteran review, approve, and submit timesheets;

● Work in conjunction with the Fiscal Management Service to monitor billing to ensure expenditures are within budget and that employees are receiving their pay and benefits;

● Work in conjunction with the Lead VIP Advisor, Director of Community Support Services, and Billing Administrator to ensure all assessment fees and monthly admin fees are collected;

● Adhere to established office hours and be present to support daily operations while demonstrating flexibility as needed;

● Be adaptable to changing priorities and take on additional responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

● A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;

● At least two years' experience working with individuals with disabilities, older adults, and/or Veterans; or

● An equivalent combination of education and experience;

● Able to work independently, making solid decisions and exercising sound judgment with consumer/Veterans and community contacts;

● Have a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act;

● Must be very organized and able to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines;

● Experience in managing and maintaining budgets;

● Working knowledge of the Independent Living philosophy and methodology;

● Experience with taking initiative to ensure successful program results;

● Proficiency with MS Windows, MS Office, Google Suite, and other common computer programs;

● Evidence of reliable mode of transportation, with valid California Driver's License/state identification card and car insurance (if applicable);

● Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.

Personal Attributes:

● Communicates in a clear, timely, and respectful manner;

● Demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, and professionalism;

● Contributes to positive, supportive workplace interactions;

● Demonstrates proactive skills and self-initiative;

● Provides consumer-driven services in alignment with Independent Living Philosophy;

● Enters service data in a timely and accurate manner;

● Follows through on assigned tasks and due dates;

● Maintains a collaborative approach and works effectively as part of a team;

● Receptive to and willing to implement constructive feedback;

● Takes responsibility for communicating issues when they arise (and addressing them when able);

● Proactively shares feedback, ideas, and suggestions for organizational growth;

● Maintains attendance, punctuality, and other performance standards as outlined in DMC's Employee Handbook.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Normal office temperature-controlled conditions with quiet to moderate noise level and little to no exposure to heat, dust, or fumes. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position working at a desk; operate a computer and other office machinery including printer, copier, and telephone; move about inside the office to access office machinery; exchange information with coworkers and the public; and may need to lift or move up to 10 pounds. These functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

\nCompany Description

The Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled, also referred to as DMC, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that focuses on core services and serves as hub organization with many referral resources, programs, and partners.