Veteran Directed Care Specialist

Description

The purpose of the Veteran Direct Care Specialist is to provide person-centered support to veterans participating in the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program, empowering them to self-direct their own care and services. The role supports veterans by helping them self-manage their care, daily activities, health needs, and life skills. By providing tailored guidance and resources in alignment with The Independence Center policies and VDC standards, the Specialist promotes independence, self-advocacy, and improved quality of life, enabling veterans to continue living safely and confidently in their communities.

Essential Responsibilities:

· Conduct monthly phone contacts and quarterly in-home visits with Veterans and/or Authorized Representatives, addressing budgets, health changes, hospitalizations, and rehabilitation or respite stays.

· Complete in-home enrollments, functional assessments, and required face-to-face visits (initial, quarterly, 6-month, and annual) in accordance with VDC Operational Guidelines.

· Support Veterans in developing, approving, and monitoring yearly budgets and spending plans; implement revisions, non-compliance policies, and risk mitigation strategies as needed.

· Collaborate with Financial Management Services (FMS) providers on employment documentation, payroll, HR inquiries, and program-related paperwork.

· Manage administrative and program support tasks, including documentation, meeting notes, SOP creation, policy updates, and quality assurance initiatives.

· Guide new Veteran referrals through the enrollment process, ensuring seamless onboarding and ongoing communication for a smooth transition into the VDC program.

· Compile, track, and maintain program data and reports for leadership, compliance, and operational decision-making.

· Provide Veterans with appropriate community resources, refer healthcare inquiries to the Veteran Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), and comply with all mandatory reporting requirements.

· Collaborate with Veterans, Authorized Representatives, internal staff, military entities, and community partners to strengthen referrals, promote IC programs, and foster positive outcomes for Veterans.

· Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meetings with or in place of leadership.

· This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.

· Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

· Extraordinary customer service skills.

· Effective communication skills.

· Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.

· Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.

· Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.

· Takes responsibility for high-quality work.

· Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.

· Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.

· The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.

· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.

· Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.

Education and Experience:

· 1–2 years of experience in direct care, case management, or social services, preferably with veterans, older adults, or individuals with disabilities

· Experience in self-directed care programs, budget oversight, or managing personal care services is highly desirable.

· Familiarity with VA programs, community resources, or long-term care services.

· Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

· This role involves frequent travel, up to 50% of the time, for in-home visits with Veterans and to present information to various established and new outreach partnerships based on program needs as directed by the Operations Manager

· Local travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events may be required.

· Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance and be able to meet company insurance requirements

Working Conditions:

· Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.

· Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 

· Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.