JOB TITLE: Options Advisor

DEPARTMENT: NY Connects

PROGRAM: NY Connects

SUPERVISOR: Director—NY Connects

STATUS: Full Time/ Non-exempt

SUMMARY

The NY Connects Options Advisor provides support to the NY Connects team and Lifespan by meeting with customers who walk-in to Lifespan and callers who present with long term counselling needs. This position will screen, assess and provide Information/Assistance and Referral to the walk-in customer and implement an immediate action plan. The Options Advisor will also screen NY Connects callers for long term support needs and follow up as necessary, with a 2 month check in prior to case closure. This can be performed in office and off site as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides guidance to older adults 60+, persons with disabilities of any age, caregivers, professional and others to provide information, referral and linkages to Long Term Service Solutions and benefits options.

1.1. Meets with customers who present to Lifespan who are not currently connected with a Lifespan staff member.

1.2. Uses problem solving and customer service skills to triage consumer and professional inquiries.

1.3. Uses professional skills and a person-centered, strength-based approach to provide telephone assessment and consultation services.

1.4. Screens individuals for long term service and support needs, using the approved No Wrong Door Screening tool.

1.5. May provide information and assistance, referrals, options counseling, advocacy, and application assistance for long term services and supports and benefit/entitlement programs.

1.6. Provides appropriate information about and linkages to programs and services to support an individual’s independence, choice, and self-determination with follow-up to the extent possible to ensure consumer received the service(s) chosen.

1.7. Communicates in a professional, non-judgmental, and culturally appropriate manner.

1.8. Maintains departmental and contractual goals for client response times.

1.9. Uses computer software to track all calls and requests for long term services and support information, in an accurate, timely fashion.

1.10. Maintains up-to-date resource files, shares pertinent resources with team members, and updates in-house and statewide resource listings, as needed.

1.11. Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge of the long-term services and public benefits field with clinical skills and competencies through reading, workshops, and conferences.

1.12. Assists with NY Connects calls as time allows.

2. Participates as a member of the inter-agency team.

2.1. Participates in all staff meetings (departmental and agency) and training, including cultural competency and corporate compliance.

2.2. Accepts and seeks guidance and supervision from the Director for Regional Mobility Management.

3. Other duties as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s in Social Work or equivalent degree

Experience: Two years in social work, with at least one year in geriatric, disability or Long-Term Services field (e.g. MLTC, NHTD, TBI waivers etc)

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong organizational skills necessary.

Must be able manage multiple projects at the same time.

Valid NYS driver’s license required.

Ability to travel around the county for outreach.

Ability to work in multi-cultural situations.

Must have COVID vaccine (or proof of exception)

Lifespan offers great benefits including:

Vacation (21 days)

Sick (12 days)

Personal Time (3 Days)

Holidays (11)

Medical Insurance (3 options)

Dental Insurance (2 options)

Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account with company contribution

403(b) Program

Pension contribution after one year of service

Hybrid Work Schedule after successfully completing the probationary period

If working less than 37.5 hours, accrued time is pro-rated.

Lifespan is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote, in all job classifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, gender expression or any other protected characteristic. Lifespan will not discriminate against persons because of their disability, including disabled veterans, and will make reasonable accommodations for known physical and mental limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities.

Deadline to Apply: Open until Filled