Veteran Directed Care Specialist

Veteran Directed Care Specialist

Job Title: Veteran Directed Care Specialist
Reports To: Program Manager, Integrated Programs
Employee Status: Full-Time (40 hrs/wk.; 5days/wk) Non-Exempt
Salary: $22.00 - $26.40 per hour
Location: San Bernardino, California

Rolling Start, Inc., a Center for Independent Living, is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization that provides advocacy and services to people with disabilities in San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono counties. RSI’s mission is to educate and empower people with disabilities to achieve the independent life of their choice. The Veteran Directed Care Specialist will be located at the Rolling Start office in San Bernardino but will be expected to travel throughout San Bernardino and Riverside County.

Rolling Start, Inc. serves as the “Spoke” in the Veteran Directed Care model, working in partnership with the Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD) (“Hub”) to deliver high‑quality, Veteran‑centered services. The VDC Specialist ensures Veterans receive personalized, coordinated support that promotes independent living.

The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Specialist supports Veterans in managing their care to promote independent living in the community. This role provides guidance on budgeting, selecting services that best meet individual needs, hiring personal care workers, and purchasing necessary items or services. The Specialist ensures the seamless coordination, integration, and effective delivery of support services while upholding the Veteran’s autonomy in directing their care.

As a person‑centered organization rooted in the independent living philosophy, the Veteran Directed Care Specialist serves as a peer mentor and role model for individuals with disabilities, demonstrating self‑advocacy and independent living skills. The role fosters meaningful connections within the community while maintaining positive and effective relationships with the Hub and partner agencies to ensure collaborative, high‑quality support for Veterans.

• Provide support to approximately 30 Veterans per month, ensuring access to services that promote independent living, self‑advocacy, and quality of life.

• Conduct in‑person intake meetings and quarterly visits as required by the VA.
• Utilize the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment to determine functional needs and develop consumer‑driven support and spending plans in consultation with the Veteran and their chosen supports.

• Work collaboratively with the Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD), Loma Linda VA Center and local community agencies in San Bernardino County to arrange and implement long‑term services and supports.
• Assist Veterans with hiring, training, supervising, and terminating personal care workers, including employer/employee paperwork.
• Coordinate transitions from medical and residential care facilities back into the community.
• Work with Independent Living Specialists, AT Specialists, and AT Coordinators to connect Veterans with additional support services.

• Assist Veterans in reviewing, approving, and submitting timesheets to the Fiscal Management Service.
• Monitor billing and expenditures, ensuring compliance with budgetary limits and timely employee payments.
• Collaborate with CPWD’s Program Manager and Accounting Department to ensure the collection of assessment and admin fees.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided, including entering consumer data into the appropriate database.

• Maintain ongoing communication with the local VA Medical Center regarding Veteran status.
• Ensure strict confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and other relevant regulations.
• Adhere to the Independent Living Philosophy, demonstrating professionalism, ethics, and integrity in all interactions.
• Maintain knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act.
• Act as a mandatory reporter, recognizing and reporting signs of abuse as required by law.