Options Counselor

JOB SUMMARY

The job duties of the Options Counselor include but are not limited to providing the following types of services to older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families, friends, caregivers and advocates: information and assistance, options counseling, access to public and private programs and benefits, access to publicly funded long-term care programs and services, enrollment and disenrollment counseling, access to emergency and adult protective services, transitional services for students, consumer and ADRC advocacy, and outreach activities.

Go to Job Descriptions for full position description and search: Options Counselor.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 4:30 pm.

Interviews will be conducted on Monday, December 22nd 2025.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties described below are indicative of what the Options Counselor might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Options Counselor. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsibilities and therefore other duties may be assigned:

Administrative Functions:

• Work to achieve involvement and participation of the consumer, consumer's family, and consumer's natural support system in resolving problems.
• Evaluate consumer's immediate situation and provide information about options available to meet current needs.
• Refer consumers to appropriate resources in crisis situations.
• Educate consumers about available community resources and how to independently gain access to needed services. Assist with accessing when consumer is not able to do so independently.
• Advise consumers when services are neither available nor appropriate. Advocate on behalf of the consumer when barriers exist.
• Complete written documentation in a timely manner as required by state contract.
• Develop professional knowledge and skills by attending training events, conferences, workshops and staff meetings.
• Speak to the community and other organizations to provide public education about ADRC related programs and services.
• Develop and maintain the ability to problem-solve and to perform duties in an independent manner while exercising good judgment.
• Provide Options Counseling using Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) required model.
• Administer Long Term Care Functional Screen for those requesting, using Wisconsin DHS required process.
• Provide Enrollment Counseling for individuals wishing to enroll into the Medicaid Family Care or IRIS program.
• Provide Fiscal Employer Agent (FEA) Enrollment Counseling for those enrolling in IRIS.
• Provide information and counseling to consumers in the process of disenrollment from Family Care or IRIS.
• Provide Memory Screening using tools and protocols established by Wisconsin DHS.
• Use discretion with consumers; observe rules of confidentiality and maintain non-judgmental attitude.
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance in all consumer related activities.
• Other duties as assigned or indicated in the state contract's Scope of Services.
• Participate in ADRC strategic planning and engagement activities.

Customers:

• Persons age 60+, persons age 17 ½ + with disabilities, and families, friends, caregivers, advocates and others who ask for assistance on their behalf

Team Members:

• Co-workers
• Community partners
• Potential community partners

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire or for the continuation of employment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor degree in a Health or Human Services related field required.
• State of Wisconsin Long Term Care Functional Screen Certification required within one (1) year of hire.
• Certified Memory Screener required within one (1) year of hire.
• Certified Options Counselor required within six (6) months of hire.
• Social Work Certification within three (3) years of hire preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience working with older persons, adults with disabilities or family caregivers
• A valid driver's license required.
• A cell phone is recommended.