Options Counselor - Metropolitan Center for Independent Living

*This position is fully remote with options to work on site at our St. Paul location - employees in this position are required to reside in the state of Minnesota, per our contract with the state of Minnesota.

Summary: This position is responsible for answering inquiries to Minnesota's statewide Disability Hub contact center, providing options counseling to persons with disabilities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast paced environment with high work volume, have clear and concise communication skills, and be knowledgeable regarding local, state and federal benefits and assistance programs for individuals with disabilities. A successful Options Counselor will manage Disability Hub customer contacts according to standards and assurances. Core functions of an Options Counselor includes:

1. Person Centered discovery explore needs, strengths, values and preferences, resources, goals
2. Person Centered counseling - applying person centered principles
3. Understanding and educating about public and private sector resources
4. Facilitating self-direction /self-determination and informed choice
5. Encouraging future orientation

Duties:

1. Provides confidential, neutral direct service to Disability Hub MN consumers. *
2. Advocate for Hub consumers when necessary (may include, but is not limited to, contacting county staff, DHS staff, Social Security Administration and other social service agencies). *
3. Must consistently demonstrate high, detailed level of knowledge of State and Federal benefits, resources and counsel on options.*
4. Responds to inquiries sent to DHS via e-mail or phone. *
5. Completes required documentation within CRM database, in a timely and accurate manner, in accordance with HIPAA, Minnesota Data Practices Act and Minnesota Human Rights Act *
6. Enters data into timesheets, mileage logs and updates information in Minnesotahelp.info database.*
7. Attends and completes all required training and education upon hire (approximately 250-300 hours) and on-going as assigned which can include conferences on State and Federal Programs applicable to callers' inquiries.*
8. Represents Disability Hub MN through community education, promotions, outreach, along with developing and maintaining relationships with community partners, including, but not limited to, county staff, Senior Linkage Line, Veteran's Linkage Line and other statewide partners.
9. Attends Agency and departmental meetings adhering to Agency policies.
10. Follows Hub call standards in compliance with AIRS standards and DHS contract.*