Veterans Suicide Prevention Outreach Specialist

Heartland Family Service•Council Bluffs, IA

11h

About The Position

The Veteran Outreach Specialist is a compassionate, mission-driven advocate who connects Veterans experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, social isolation, or barriers to care with support and resources. The role focuses on suicide prevention, veteran advocacy, and community outreach, building trust, reducing barriers, and helping Veterans access available services. Relationship-building and person-centered support are central to the position, which may serve as a Veteran’s first point of contact. Veterans and individuals with relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply. The position works 40 hours per week. Essential functions are performed both at the company’s physical work site and in community settings. Salary is determined by total years of relevant experience.

Requirements

Strong communication, relationship-building, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to engage Veterans with empathy, respect, and a nonjudgmental approach.
Ability to work independently in community settings and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for community-based work.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries in all interactions.
Relevant education, military service, peer support certification, or a combination of equivalent professional and lived experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Veteran status and/or military experience is strongly preferred; lived experience navigating military transition, veteran services, mental health challenges, or recovery is highly valued.
Experience supporting Veterans, individuals experiencing mental health challenges, or populations with complex needs is preferred.
Knowledge of VA benefits, suicide prevention resources, and community services is beneficial; willingness to learn is essential.

Responsibilities

Conduct community-based outreach to engage Veterans and connect them with mental health services, crisis resources, VA benefits, housing assistance, and other appropriate support.
Promote suicide prevention awareness in the community, reduce stigma, and encourage Veterans to seek help before reaching a crisis point.
Build trusting, ongoing relationships with Veterans that encourage help-seeking, social connection, and continued engagement in care.
Assist Veterans in navigating VA benefits, healthcare systems, housing programs, and local, state, and federal Veteran service programs.
Coordinate referrals and collaborate with case managers, community support workers, veteran service officers, and community organizations to support comprehensive, coordinated care.
Advocate for Veterans experiencing barriers to services and maintain accurate, timely documentation of outreach activities, referrals, and follow-up contacts.
Follow agency protocols when addressing safety concerns, coordinating crisis referrals, and reporting critical incidents.
Participate in community events, coalitions, and collaborative meetings related to Veteran services and suicide prevention.
Maintain a courteous and caring attitude toward Veterans, clients, volunteers, visitors, and staff.
Cooperate and collaborate with program area staff, volunteers, and other agency staff.
Demonstrate dependability and punctuality regarding scheduling and attendance.
Follow agency and program procedures, policies, and requirements.
Develop personal and program-related skills through internal and external training opportunities.
Create, maintain, and share, as appropriate, a dynamic self-care plan.
Build connections between the agency and the larger community to support fundraising and friend-raising efforts.
Perform other program-related duties as assigned.