Case Manager

Case Managers and Information & Assistance Field Specialists support older Vermonters in the community to stay as independent as possible in the environment of their choice by promoting health, rights, independence, and economic well-being. They are responsible for field-based, direct provision Person-Centered Options Counseling to clients in our 54-town service area.

Essential Functions:
• Assess the needs of those individuals who have made initial contact with CVCOA, requesting information or assistance, using the Independent Living Assessment, a person-centered Options counseling intake, and the “my options” plan.
• Provide Options Counseling to help consumers, and their advocates, direct their own decision-making and planning.
• Perform necessary follow-up paperwork for client contacts, including monthly client records, completion of applications, advocacy, etc.
• Complete independent living assessment if appropriate for the individual.
• Paperwork and Documentation: Utilize SAMS database for documenting client records, independent living assessments, shared decision plans and Medicaid Waiver billing. The SAMS database also tracks all our statistical data.
• Make referrals to other internal and external agency services as needed.
• Provide coverage for office-based Information and Assistance (I&A) Specialist and SHIP(Medicare Part D back-up) coverage for State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)Coordinator.
• Represent agency at collaborative meetings with community partners.
• Gather data and complete quarterly 3SquaresVT Outreach Specialist reports, including statistical and narrative sections (this may be shared with and/or handled by other I&A Outreach Specialist).
• Attend relevant trainings, all-staff meetings, and all Case Management department staff meetings.
• Systems Advocacy: to identify needs for systems change and participate in actions to improve service systems for older Vermonters.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• BA preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience; preferably in human service/social services.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with issues, needs and community, state, and federal programs relevant to older persons and/or low-income persons, including long term healthcare issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including sensitivity, listening, problem solving, and teamwork.
• Basic math skills and ability to do complex paperwork.
• Solid computer skills and comfort with learning and using new and pertinent database systems. Systems used include: Windows Environment, Internet-based database systems, MSOffice, SAMS, Omnia, and others.
• Judgment, intuition, commitment, and perseverance to resolve client issues.
• Ability to be non-judgmental and to work with a wide variety of people; ability to keep confidentiality; reliability; honesty.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Ability to be an advocate for a vulnerable population, to effectively navigate through bureaucracy to meet clients’ needs.

Additional Desirable Qualifications (optional):
• 2-4 years’ work experience in human services, preferably with older persons or people with disabilities.

Physical Demands:
• Ability to travel within 3-county area in a variety of weather conditions. (reliable transportation needed).
• Ability to traverse varied terrains and entrances to client homes in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to interview clients in a variety of environmental conditions.
• May require lifting to 25 pounds.

Mental Demands:
• Attention to deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to understand complex social service programs.
• Ability to self-manage.
• Ability to handle multiple and un-planned activities and schedule changes.

Working Conditions:
• Independent/solitary work as well as work within an office and group setting.
• Exposure to and ability to deal with unsanitary living conditions and a wide variety of people.
• Travel within 3-county area during all seasons.
• Private or shared office space in central or satellite office, depending on territory.