Veterans Support Specialist-Colorado Springs

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HUMAN SERVICES•Colorado Springs, CO

7d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing direct, in-person, progressive case management services to vulnerable Veterans and their households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Veteran Support Specialist (VSS) will provide respectful, individualized and effective trauma-informed case management services to ensure Veteran clients receive the case management assistance needed to promote housing stability. The Veteran Support Specialist will function as a member of a team of case managers and other specialists who are working to provide supportive services to increase housing stability to Veterans while meeting program requirements under the Veterans Administration (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. This position may require occasional travel throughout Colorado.

Requirements

Case Management Practice Skills & Competencies: assessment, planning, and interventions including those with high needs, barriers, and disabling conditions.
Customer Service Skills & Competencies: Ability to build trust using listening skills, conflict resolution, and mediation, and going above and beyond to be helpful and pleasant.
Excellent organizational, communication and facilitation skills.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team and community environment to contribute to HAV team success.
Compliance with ethical and confidentiality standards.
Knowledge and skills in intermediate computer functions and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in social work, social sciences, or related field, and/or 1-2 years of prior experience working with homeless individuals and/or households or prior experience working with military and/or Veteran populations.
Prior Case Management experience
Ability to work independently while meeting work expectations and program standards
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
No major violations in the past three years.
No more than two moving violations in the past three years
Ability to meet and maintain agency driving requirements and operate agency vehicles

Nice To Haves

Experience with motivational interviewing, person-centered and solution-focused interventions and mediation preferred.
Cultural Competency Skills & Competencies: Adaptable in culturally diverse environments, respect for cultural differences, and comfort level working with “military” and “veteran” cultures.
Master’s degree in social work, social sciences, human services or related field
Prior experience working with homeless populations
Knowledge of community resources.
Experience working with military and/or Veteran populations
Prior military experience
Personal vehicle in good operating condition for use during work

Responsibilities

Provide services to eligible veteran household in obtaining and/or maintaining safe, stable permanent housing. This process may include office meetings, home visits, and client transportation to assist in accessing housing opportunities and community services available to them (driving a company vehicle).
Maintain regular contact with clients on a minimum of a twice-monthly basis to determine the client’s progress on accessing housing and other resources.
Maintain timely, accurate, detailed documentation of client case files into the agency-based data system, Caselogic, and the VA required Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Assess need for temporary financial assistance in accordance with the SSVF Program Guide, to obtain/maintain permanent housing per the housing stability plan.
Collaborate with Veteran household and other SSVF specialist staff on discharge planning to maintain permanent housing
Develop and maintain detailed working knowledge of governmental and community programs and services that will provide support to Veteran clients and enhance their housing stability. This may include research of other available local and national funding sources as needed.
Develop and maintain working knowledge of program guidelines for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. Ensure program guidelines are met when providing services to Veteran clients.
Conduct at a minimum of bi-weekly in region-specific office Staff of the Day supporting walk-ins and application process with vulnerable Veterans seeking services while also providing individualized referrals as needed.
Ensure client confidentiality is maintained in accordance with established procedures and regulations.
Assesses veteran needs and eligibility for services.
Works with veterans, families and appropriate community agencies to coordinate and facilitate services.
Ability to meet/work with veterans in a variety of settings.
Attends staff, team, and department meetings.
Participates in agency and community planning and education.
Develops and maintains client case records, plans and reports.
Ability to drive personal or company vehicle
Lift and/or carry 20 lbs.
Sit, stand and walk for reasonable periods of time.
Maintains prompt and regular attendance.
Performs related work as assigned.