Tier 6: Knowledge Competencies for Options Counselors The detailed knowledge areas required for work in a specific occupation. Competencies from the “Core Competencies of ADRC Options Counseling” are underlined and highlighted in red. [Domain Name TBD] Person-Centered Planning Cultural Competency CommunicationParticipant DirectionQuality Knowledge of the options counselor role Knowledge of disability issues and language Knowledge of human behavior and performance: individual differences in ability, personality, and interests Knowledge of decision support Determine the need for options counseling Understand person-centered thinking and practice Knowledge of participant role in program activity Knowledge of options counseling roles & responsibilities and person- centered practices Knowledge of the stages of decision making process Knowledge of person-centered tools Assess needs, values, and preferences Knowledge of key terminology such as culture, cultural values, culturally diverse nursing care, ethnocentrism, race, and ethnography Knowledge of influence of culture on communication styles, physical presence, eye contact, etc. Knowledge of influence of culture on familial relationships, social organization, help seeking behavior Knowledge of active listening elements Knowledge of motivational interviewing Knowledge of participant direction models, funding authorities, and eligibility in the community Knowledge of comparative effectiveness of participant direction as a service model Knowledge of issues related to participant direction enrollment and process Knowledge of employment, purchases, and Financial Management Services (FMS) Knowledge of individual budgeting Knowledge of principles and processes for facilitating quality assurance & improvement strategies (initial stages) Knowledge of the principles and process for facilitating quality assurance and improvement strategies (continuous stages) 1

Tier 7: Skill Competencies for Options Counselors The detailed skills required for work in a specific occupation. Competencies from the “Core Competencies of ADRC Options Counseling” are underlined and highlighted in red. [Domain Name TBD] Person-Centered Planning Cultural Competency Communication Participant Direction Quality Able to fulfill options counseling role and functions Being aware of other’s reactions & understanding why they react as they do Able to use standard psychological instruments Able to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions Determine the need for options counseling Assess needs, values, and preferences Follow-Up With participant, identify his or her needs, strengths, and goals At the direction of participant, involve appropriate support members Able to assess the meaning culture has for focus person and discuss cultural difference and issues openly, and to respond to culturally-based cues Ability to communicate effectively Ability to assist participants in the understanding, developing and implementing participant direction development of service and support plans Assist participant to understand employment responsibilities and the role of the Financial Management Services entity Actively look for ways to assist the participant and include participant feed back in program Be responsive to participant requests and directions Working with participant to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems Promote quality assurance and improvement Assist participant in conducting risk assessment and mitigation using an empowerment model Develop a monitoring plan, with the participant, that assesses risks and honors participant preferences and right to take risks 2