Veteran Outreach Program Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • South Bend, IN

1d

About The Position

The Veteran Outreach Program Specialist serves as the principal outreach staff member for Military Reserve and National Guard members returning from GWOT, OEF, OIF, and OND. The role involves travel throughout an assigned geographical area away from the Vet Center and providing information, support, and connections to VA and community services. The specialist represents the Vet Center in the community, works closely with direct service providers, and supports timely referrals and follow-up.

The position develops and distributes outreach materials and presentations in formats appropriate for Veterans, Service Members, families, and representatives. It also plans and participates in outreach events, documents contacts and activities in accordance with program policies, and drives a Government Owned Vehicle or Mobile Vet Center to provide outreach. Duties may include setting up and closing the Mobile Vet Center, which may be up to 40 feet long, and checking its communications and electrical systems.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Applicants must complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Applicants must meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement if they are current or former Federal employees applying under the stated conditions.
• For GS-09 based on experience: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, such as assisting with outreach planning and referrals, presenting information about services, helping create and distribute marketing materials, maintaining client records, or collecting outreach data and reporting.
• For GS-09 based on education: a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.; a combination of education and experience may also qualify.
• For GS-11 based on experience: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, such as developing, planning, scheduling, and conducting community outreach and referrals; creating and presenting formal briefings; developing and distributing outreach materials; maintaining records; or preparing reports and cursory analysis of outreach data.
• For GS-11 based on education: a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; a combination of education and experience may also qualify.
• A transcript must be submitted if education is used to qualify. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• Must be able to operate a passenger vehicle or larger vehicle that does not require a commercial driver's license.
• If selected, must submit a completed OF-345 Physical Fitness Inquiry for Motor Vehicle Operators and complete required pre-placement vehicle-operator evaluation and pre-employment physical.
• Must complete the required background/security investigation and online onboarding process.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting community outreach, especially with military or Veteran populations.
• Knowledge of military culture, service-related readjustment challenges, and available VA or community resources.
• Skill in developing and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, Veteran groups, and service providers.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and participate in outreach events, including briefings, workshops, and resource fairs.

Responsibilities

• Provide information, explanations of services, support, and connections regarding benefits and eligibility for VHA, RCS, VBA, and NCA to people from varied educational, environmental, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Develop, manage, and distribute outreach materials, including brochures, presentations, flyers, fact sheets, web content, and other targeted information about Vet Center services, locations, and the combat Veteran experience.
• Create presentations and materials in formats that help Veterans, Service Members, their families, and representatives understand the information provided.
• Represent the Vet Center as a community liaison with Veterans Service Organizations, community groups, and other organizations that support Veterans, their families, and representatives.
• Collaborate with Vet Center direct service providers, initiate client referrals, and follow up to ensure client needs are met timely.
• Collaborate in planning, coordinating, and executing outreach events.
• Prepare documentation of contacts, client visits, and administrative activities in accordance with program guidelines and policies.
• Drive a Government Owned Vehicle or Mobile Vet Center to provide outreach services.
• Set up and close the Mobile Vet Center for operation, including leveling it and checking communications and electrical systems.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families.
• VA may offer newly appointed Federal employees credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; this must be requested and approved before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level