Veterans Outreach Program Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Bismarck, ND

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans 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 position requires travel throughout an assigned geographical area away from the Vet Center and regular operation of a Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) or Mobile Vet Center (MVC) to deliver outreach services. The role includes establishing and preparing mobile work sites, including checking communications and electrical systems and setting up the site for service delivery.

The specialist connects Veterans, Service Members, families, and representatives with information about benefits, eligibility, and services offered by VHA, RCS, VBA, and NCA. The role also develops and distributes outreach materials, represents the Vet Center in the community, coordinates referrals and outreach events, and documents contacts and administrative activities in accordance with program guidelines and policies.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some nights and weekends required based on Vet Center needs. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The position requires a current valid state driver's license. The work may involve setting up furniture, lifting boxes of literature, establishing computer access, and occasionally handling objects weighing up to 50 pounds. The position requires moderate physical effort to operate the MVC's hand and foot controls.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Current valid state driver's license.
• For GS-11, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9, such as community outreach and referral work; developing, planning, scheduling, and conducting outreach events; preparing and presenting formal briefings to people from varied backgrounds; developing and distributing outreach materials; maintaining program records; and preparing reports and cursory analyses of outreach data. Alternatively, applicants may qualify through a related Ph.D. or equivalent, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; a combination of qualifying experience and graduate-level education may also be used.
• Current federal employees and certain former federal employees applying for GS-11 must meet the time-in-grade requirement of 52 weeks at GS-9.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must complete the application process and required online assessment; selected applicants are subject to background/security investigation and online onboarding.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Physical activity may include driving, setting up a work site and furniture, lifting boxes of literature, establishing computer access, and occasionally handling objects weighing up to 50 pounds; operating the MVC requires moderate physical effort.

Responsibilities

• Provide information, explain services, and connect individuals from varied educational, environmental, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds with benefits and eligibility information for VHA, RCS, VBA, and NCA.
• 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 appropriate formats to 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 focused on helping and protecting Veterans, their families, and representatives.
• Collaborate with Vet Center direct service providers, initiate client referrals, and follow up to ensure client needs are met in a timely manner.
• 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 perform outreach services, and set up and close the Mobile Vet Center for operation, including leveling it and checking communications and electrical systems.
• Prepare accurate reports and cursory analyses of outreach data as assigned and in accordance with program requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• VA may consider crediting job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service toward the rate of annual leave accrual, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree