Veterans Outreach Specialist - ARCHES Lodge

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

17d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.