Senior VDC Counselor

Position Summary

The Senior VDC Counselor serves as the lead counselor for the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program. This position performs the regular duties of a VDC Counselor while providing additional guidance, training, and support to other VDC Counselors.

The Senior VDC Counselor also assists the VDC Program Manager with daily program operations and provides coverage for key responsibilities when the Program Manager is unavailable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

VDC Counseling

• Provides VDC program orientation to veterans and/or their representatives.
• Conducts assessments, reassessments, and service planning.
• Assists veterans with self-direction, service planning, and budget management.
• Provides counseling, technical assistance, and support to veterans and their representatives.
• Maintains accurate participant records and required documentation.
• Monitors assigned caseloads and follows up on participant needs.
• Works with VA staff and fiscal staff regarding participant enrollment, budgets, invoices, and other program needs.

Lead Counselor Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to VDC Counselors.
• Assists counselors with assessments, documentation, and VDC procedures.
• Serves as a resource for counselors when questions or difficult cases arise.
• Helps ensure documentation and case management practices are completed accurately and consistently.
• Supports the onboarding and training of new VDC Counselors.

Program Support

• Assists the VDC Program Manager with day-to-day operational responsibilities.
• Helps monitor counselor caseloads and workload needs.
• Assists with identifying and improving program processes.
• Helps address operational issues and communicates concerns to the Program Manager.
• Assists with program reports, participant information, and other administrative duties as assigned.

Program Manager Coverage

• Provides coverage for the VDC Program Manager during PTO or other absences.
• Acts as a point of contact for staff and program-related matters when the Program Manager is unavailable.
• Assists with communication and coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the Program Manager’s behalf.
• Assists with communication and coordination with Fiscal Management Services (FMS) on the Program Manager’s behalf.
• Communicates important issues or updates to the Program Manager when they return.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintains confidentiality of participant information and follows applicable program and organizational requirements.
• Keeps current on programs and services affecting veterans.
• Attends required meetings, trainings, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Participates in Senior Resource Alliance emergency and disaster operations as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or senior management.

Leadership Responsibilities

The Senior VDC Counselor is not the Program Manager but serves as the senior/lead counselor and provides additional operational support when needed.

The position is responsible for:

• Mentoring and supporting VDC Counselors.
• Assisting with training and onboarding.
• Providing technical guidance.
• Supporting caseload monitoring.
• Assisting with program operations.
• Providing coverage for key Program Manager responsibilities during absences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in counseling, case management, social services, or a related field.
• VDC experience preferred.
• Experience providing guidance or training to other staff preferred.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Empathic and effective active listening skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Successful completion of Level II background screening.