Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Veteran Outreach Specialist is responsible for working within a multi-system collaborative setting, while representing MWVCAA. They will implement a unified outreach initiative targeting the unsheltered veterans in Marion and Polk County. Additional responsibilities include: identifying unsheltered veterans through direct rural and street outreach; providing basic need services; providing resource navigation and coordination of referrals to community resources; administering assessment tools and direct households to appropriate Veteran Housing Service (VHS) opportunities; assisting in obtaining housing readiness documentation (i.e ID, Birth Certificate, and income); assisting with applications for housing and other basic needs; enrolling veteran households into applicable VHS programs; providing case management and rental assistance to eligible veteran households; working with community partners to identify gaps in services. This is a grant funded, full-time position located at the ARCHES Project. The position is renewable annually based on continuation of project funding.

This is a Day Shift position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required of this position.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Five years of case management or housing experience and experience coordinating community resources and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Candidates must have served in the armed forces or have two years of experience working with veterans.
• Preferences given to applicants who have mental health certifications and/or licensing , completed Certified Peer Support Specialist training, and/or are CPR & First aid trained.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

• Valid driver license, satisfactory drive record, and insured vehicle available for use on the job. Satisfactory drive record for previous three years.
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Effective interpersonal communication skills, in both oral and written form.
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating formally and informally with clients, staff and program partners.
• Intermediate proficiencies in computers, Microsoft Office products, database software and web tools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Supports the coordination of the ARCHES Outreach Program through the following:
• Collaborates with homeless service providers
• Locates and connects with the unsheltered veteran population as they engage with community services; assisting them to stay engaged through follow-ups, safety plans and resource referrals.
• Meets regularly with clients, while scouting for new camps in surrounding areas. Camps may be located within rural or urban areas.
• Assists in obtaining housing readiness documentation such as ID, social security card and income verification.
• Applies crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
• Assists with out in the field training of new outreach staff.
• Assesses client eligibility for veteran specific programs and resources.
• Completes VHS program enrollments for eligible clients.
• Provides case management - including goal planning, budgeting, and personal development -for clients participating in ARCHES VHS programs.
• Provides rental and deposit assistance for eligible VHS clients.
• Communicates with landlords and property management companies to advocate for clients, resolve conflicts, and process rental assistance payments.
• Monitors participant progress and maintain detailed and up-to-date case
• Enters complete client data and service transactions in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Maintain complete client records, daily activity logs, and other reports as directed.
• Establishes and maintains positive, productive working relationships with shelter programs, police (and other local officials), and providers of services and resources to homeless neighbors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Driving, walking, and/or hiking long distances multiple times a week into camps.

• Required to frequently reach with hands and arms; regularly required to climb or balance; required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Close quarters, often with a homeless/public or other client population.
• Outdoor work environment in weather elements, with frequent interruptions and demands.
• Variable and flexible work hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Frequent trips into camps throughout Marion and Polk County.
• Occasional exposure to biohazards requiring frequent use of PPE such as gloves, masks, eye protection, protective clothing and shoes or boots.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.