Veterans Outreach Specialist - ARCHES Lodge

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

1d•Onsite

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. This is a grant funded, full-time position located at the ARCHES Project. The position is renewable annually based on continuation of project funding.

Requirements

Two 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
Driver qualifications are required for this position
Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required
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

Nice To Haves

Mental health certifications and/or licensing
Completed Certified Peer Support Specialist training
CPR & First aid trained

Responsibilities

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
Supports the coordination of the ARCHES Outreach Program
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
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