FirstBank Jobs

Buffalo, NY. WNY Independent Living. Person Centered Counselor. FT. Benefits. $48,000-$50,000/Annually.

DESCRIPTION: Person Centered Counselor (PCC) will provide direct support to Veterans in assessing and budgeting to meet determined needs. PCC will work with the local VA Medical Center to ensure approval and monitoring of established budgets. PCC will perform ongoing services to the Veteran to ensure continued appropriate utilization of VDC benefits. PCC will also provide backup support to the Taking Control CDPAS Consumer Administrator functions as assigned by Director.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Respond to Veteran Directed Care referrals within next working day and establish face-to-face intake appointment to take place within 10 days. 2. Complete face-to-face intake appointment and functional needs assessment within ten (10) days, again at six (6) months post-intake, and annually thereafter with Veteran/Representative. This requires travel to the Veterans residence (or agreed upon location). 3. Accurately documents consumer services and required paperwork in Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL s) Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) within two (2) working days of the service. 4. Collaborate with PA Specialists for onboarding the Veterans selected Personal Assistant(s). 5. Provide instruction to Veteran on the nature of the VDC program and provide referral to any additional Western NY Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) services at any of the locations for support to the Veteran. 6. Work with the Veteran face-to-face to develop a budget for goods and services consistent with functional needs assessment and consistent with VDC Policies and Procedures Manual.
7. Submit initial Spending Plan (budget and supporting documentation) to Director for review. Make amendments to Spending Plan as necessary to meet VAMC review and Veterans needs. Complete Spending Plans with the Veteran annually. Submit all Spending Plans and amendments to Director for review. 8. Provide monthly documented contacts to Veteran/Representative. Provide quarterly face-to-face documented contacts to Veteran. Provide feedback on over or under utilization of goods and services according to monthly authorized Spending Plan.

EDUCATION & TRAINING: Associate degree in Human Services or related field OR Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE (if required): Must have experience with providing instruction on budgeting to others.Veterans who meet skills requirements preferred. Individuals who have work experience supporting Veterans preferred. Understanding of military/veteran cultural competence preferred.

SKILLS & ABILITIES: Must be able to travel independently throughout Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties. Expansion of the program may include other counties in the Western NY/Central NY regions. Person Centered Counselor is expected to travel (with mileage compensation) to meet the Veterans needs. Must be able to conduct functional needs assessments. Must have competence and proficiency in math skills and monitoring and adjusting budgets. Strong communication skills (verbally and written) and follow up. Must have intermediate level of knowledge of computers including the use of Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing and networks. Perform in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner for the purpose of ensuring a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Closing Date: July 10, 2024

SUBMIT RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO: Mail: Tina Brown WNY Independent Living, Inc. 3108 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214 Email: employment@wnyil.org