SSVF Case Manager/Outreach Specialist

Blue Mountain Action Council•Walla Walla, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the SSVF Program Manager, the SSVF Case Manager/Outreach Specialist will provide community outreach and engagement and Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention case management for BMAC’s Supportive Services for Veteran’s Families (SSVF) program. This staff member will work in partnership with the SSVF team, the VA, community-based organizations (CBOs) and other entities to assist in rapidly rehousing and/or achieving housing stabilization for Veteran program participants who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of becoming homeless. The Case Manager/Outreach Specialist will be based in the Walla Walla office and cover a service area including Walla Walla, Garfield, Columbia, and Asotin Counties in Washington State; and Umatilla, Morrow, Union, and Wallowa Counties in Oregon.

Requirements

Associates degree in Human Services or related field required
Two years’ related work experience administering social services
Valid state driver’s license by time of hire with a good driving record.
Employee must provide own vehicle for travel and current auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience working with persons experiencing homelessness and Veterans preferred.
Experience working with outreach to local organizations and government agencies preferred.
Bilingual: English/Spanish is desireable.
Working knowledge of Veteran systems and the resources Veterans may access preferred.
Experience with HMIS, working in Clarity or ServicePoint platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with Veterans and their families experiencing homelessness and those who are at risk of homelessness in order to identify households of greatest risk and determine the type of support needed to prevent homelessness or move the Veteran and their family out of homelessness.
Assist Veterans with developing independent living skills such as budgeting, paying bills, and being a good neighbor/tenant.
Implement a “Housing First” philosophy to ensure that treatment for mental health, substance abuse needs, or the resolution of other barriers are not a condition of services or program participation.
Ensure that program participants are offered time-limited, individualized financial assistance designed to assist the household with obtaining and retaining permanent housing.
Provide proactive follow-up office and home visits utilizing progressive engagement to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, active listening, problem-solving, identification of and connecting to community resources.
Conduct outreach with prospective property owners and managers to promote housing opportunities for Veteran households that are experiencing homelessness, provide education and incentive information regarding subsidies, move-in costs assistance, support for the property owner/manager from a single point of contact.
Maintain a caseload of up to 12 Veteran households. Caseload may increase depending on need and size of area being covered.
Verify eligibility of “walk-in” or referred Veteran households to participate in the SSVF program and conduct an initial intake and needs assessment(s) with Veteran households.
Develop and monitor Individualized Housing Stability Plans (IHSP) based on assessment; identify specific actions and/or resources needed for successful stabilization of the household.
Assess program participants for strengths and barriers in the areas of obtaining housing, employment, physical/mental health, substance misuse/abuse, etc., and coordinate the appropriate services.
Develop and maintain familiarity with all relevant public and private agencies and service providers and effectively leverage resources available within the community to benefit program participants, including the VA, public health, law enforcement, social services, faith-based organizations, medical and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment services.
Maintain case files in accordance with BMAC and SSVF program requirements.
Maintain information, services, and financial assistance transactions in HMIS and CAP 60.
Ensure that program participants receive services that support rapid re-housing; addressing assessed needs, promoting healthy decision-making, securing financial independence, and promoting relationships at home and in the community.
Educate Veteran households in their search for housing such as identifying affordable housing options, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases, and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Teach and model landlord relationship building and communication.
Identify healthcare needs and challenges for each program participant and connect the individual to a therapeutic service. Monitor progress, and address any health, behavioral, or life skill challenges.
Assist Veteran households with referral to internal BMAC SOAR professional or to other community agency for assistance in applying for the Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Skillfully manage Veteran participant crises, providing brief risk assessment, safety planning, and de-escalation with the goal of connecting program participant to a therapeutic service.
Provide service coordination between the local VAMC and community healthcare providers.
Engage with Veteran households experiencing homelessness who may be disconnected and alienated from mainstream services and supports in the community. Help establish supportive relationships, provide advocacy, and enhance the possibility that they will access necessary services and supports that will help them move off the streets.
Solicit referrals from other public and private agencies that have contact with the target Veteran population and coordinate with other outreach programs in the community, as well as Coordinated Entry, the local Housing Authority, the VA and VA service providers.
Develop a regular presence at locations that are often frequented by households and individuals who avoid formal agencies. This can include local shelters, locations that provide food/free meals to the public, churches, discount stores, check-cashing locations, laundromats, specific parking lots, underpasses or camps in the area where people may be living. Use community mapping to develop a comprehensive engagement/outreach plan.
Establish visibility at local community events that may be attended by the target population.
Performs other related duties as assigned