Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Coordinator

Part Time / Non-Exempt

About Company:

Northeast Independent Living Program (NILP) is a consumer-controlled, community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. NILP provides advocacy, independent living services, housing supports, transition services, employment programs, and community-based resources throughout Northeastern Massachusetts.

About the Role:

The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Coordinator assists veterans participating in the Veteran Directed Care Program in developing and managing self-directed long-term services and supports that promote independent living. The position exercises independent judgment in coordinating services, identifying resources, and supporting participants in achieving their independent living goals. The Coordinator provides information, referral, advocacy, and coordination services and supports veterans in exercising choice, control, self-determination, and dignity of risk in managing their services, budgets, and personal goals. The position works collaboratively with veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs, community providers, and internal staff to ensure participants receive the resources and support necessary to live successfully in their communities.

Essential Function:

• Conduct outreach, intake, assessment, and referral activities for individuals participating in the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor referral tracking systems and participant records to ensure timely service delivery and compliance with program requirements.
• Assist veterans in developing and implementing person-centered, self-directed service plans that promote independent living, consumer choice, and community integration.
• Coordinate communication and service delivery among veterans, family members, Veterans Affairs representatives, community providers, administrative staff, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct quarterly home visits and ongoing follow-up to assess participant progress, address concerns, and ensure services and supports meet identified needs.
• Regularly travel throughout the service area to conduct home visits, attend meetings, provide outreach, and coordinate services with veterans, community providers, and Veterans Affairs representatives.
• Provide information, education, and guidance regarding Veteran Directed Care program requirements, consumer rights, community resources, and available services.
• Maintain current knowledge of Veterans Affairs programs, long-term services and supports (LTSS), independent living practices, and community-based resources.
• Advocate for consumer choice, self-determination, dignity of risk, and access to appropriate community-based supports and services.
• Monitor participant progress toward identified goals and ensure compliance with organizational and program standards.
• Gather information from consumers, family members, service providers, and community partners to support effective service planning and coordination.
• Complete required documentation, maintain electronic case records, prepare reports, and ensure timely and accurate data entry.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, coworkers, community partners, Veterans Affairs personnel, and referral sources.
• Utilize Microsoft 365 applications, electronic case management systems, databases, and other technology to support service delivery and program operations.
• Participate in professional development, continuing education, and training opportunities to maintain knowledge and enhance job performance.
• Represent NILP at community meetings, outreach activities, and public events to increase awareness of the Veteran Directed Care Program and available veteran resources.
• Serve as an internal resource regarding veteran services, community resources, and program requirements.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Services, Healthcare Administration, or a related field. Equivalent lived experience as a person with a disability may be substituted for educational requirements.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in human services, disability services, care coordination, case management, independent living services, or a related field. Equivalent lived experience as a person with a disability or veteran may be considered.
• Ability to independently travel throughout the service area to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Veteran status and/or experience working with veterans, military families, or veteran-serving organizations.
• Knowledge of Veterans Affairs programs, Veteran Directed Care, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and community-based resources.
• Preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as an individual with a disability, consistent with NILP's mission, Independent Living philosophy, and applicable federal Center for Independent Living (CIL) requirements.

Core Competencies:

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of Independent Living philosophy, Veteran Directed Care (VDC), Veterans Affairs resources, disability rights, person-centered planning, and community-based services.
• Strong case management, care coordination, advocacy, communication, documentation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, and work effectively with veterans, families, community providers, and agency staff.
• Commitment to consumer choice, self-determination, dignity of risk, community integration, and respectful service to veterans.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Experience using electronic case management systems, databases, and data collection platforms.
• Ability to utilize virtual meeting technology, internet-based resources, and standard office equipment.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

NILP values the contributions and lived experiences of people with disabilities and is committed to fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position is performed in office, community, virtual, and consumer home settings and requires regular travel throughout the service area. Essential functions include communicating with consumers and community partners, maintaining documentation, utilizing technology and office systems, conducting home and community-based visits, and participating in meetings and outreach activities.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accessibility:

The Northeast Independent Living Program, Inc. (NILP) is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons with disabilities, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans to apply for this position. NILP is an organization that advocates for an all-inclusive community free of communication, attitudinal, economic, and architectural barriers for all people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, NILP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation for the hiring process, offer processes, or at any point after the start of employment. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources at 978.245.8461.

Performance Review:

The employee's performance will be evaluated upon completion of a six-month introductory period. Job duties, responsibilities, and performance expectations will be reviewed at that time. Thereafter, formal performance evaluations will be conducted annually. Success Factors for the role include:

• Timely enrollment and onboarding of Veterans into the Veteran Directed Care Program.

• Participant satisfaction and service quality outcomes.
• Timely completion and accuracy of assessments, service plans, quarterly visits, and required documentation.
• Compliance with VA, state, federal, and NILP program requirements.
• Effective coordination with Veterans, representatives, caregivers, Fiscal Intermediary partners, community providers, and VA personnel.
• Timely completion of required home visits, reassessments, and follow-up activities.
• Accuracy and timeliness of reporting, case documentation, and data entry.
• Effective caseload management and maintenance of required service standards.
• Successful audit, monitoring, and quality assurance outcomes.
• Contribution to program growth, outreach, and overall Veteran Directed Care program performance goals.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time based on organizational needs.