Person-Centered Counselor

Buffalo, WNY – Independent Living. Person-Centered Counselor. $48,000 - $50,000 per year.

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.

• Respond to Veteran Directed Care referrals within the next working day and establish a face‑to‑face intake appointment within 10 days.
• Complete the face‑to‑face intake appointment and functional needs assessment within ten days, again at six months post‑intake, and annually thereafter with the Veteran/Representative. This requires travel to the Veteran's residence (or agreed upon location).
• Accurately document consumer services and required paperwork in Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) Electronic Consumer Record (ECR) within two working days of the service.
• Collaborate with PA Specialists for onboarding the Veteran's selected Direct Care Worker(s).
• Provide instruction to Veteran on the nature of the VDC program and refer to any additional Western NY Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) services at any of the locations for support.
• Work with the Veteran face‑to‑face to develop a budget for goods and services consistent with the functional needs assessment and VDC Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Submit an initial Spending Plan (budget and supporting documentation) to the Director for review. Make amendments to the Spending Plan as necessary to meet VAMC review and Veteran's needs. Complete Spending Plans with the Veteran annually; submit all Spending Plans and amendments to the Director for review.
• Provide monthly documented contacts to Veteran/Representative. Provide quarterly face‑to‑face documented contacts to Veteran and give feedback on over or under utilization of goods and services according to the monthly authorized Spending Plan.
• Create a Risk Mitigation plan with Veteran/Representative as necessary and in accordance with VDC Policies & Procedures.
• Create an Action Plan with Veteran/Representative if Veteran is demonstrating overspending or over‑utilization of goods and services according to the monthly budget of the annual authorized Spending Plan.
• Attend any VA in‑service training as directed by the Director.
• Provide outreach and information to the community to describe the Taking Control VDC program to Veterans and other community members.
• Effectively communicate with VDC support staff regarding any changing needs for the Veterans.
• Supply CDPAP and EISEP support as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Attend the Agency's in‑service training and staff meetings as well as any other Agency‑related activities as required.
• Participate in maintaining a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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.

• Must have experience providing instruction on budgeting to others.
• Veterans who meet skill requirements are preferred.
• Individuals who have work experience supporting Veterans preferred.
• Understanding of military/veteran cultural competence preferred.
• Bachelor's degree requires one year of comparable work experience, or an Associate's degree requires two years of comparable work experience.

To apply, forward cover letter and resume to: employment