Veteran Outreach Specialist - ARCHES Lodge
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Salem, OR, United States
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Veteran Outreach Specialist is responsible for working within a multi‑system collaborative setting, representing MWVCAA. They will implement a unified outreach initiative targeting 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 directing households to appropriate Veteran Housing Service opportunities; assisting in obtaining housing readiness documentation (ID, birth certificate, income); assisting with applications for housing and other basic needs; enrolling veteran households into applicable VHS programs; providing case management and rental assistance; working with community partners to identify gaps in services. This grant‑funded, full‑time position is located at the ARCHES Project and is renewable annually based on continuation of project funding.
This is a Day Shift position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience:
Two years of case management or housing experience and experience coordinating community resources, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Candidates must have served in the armed forces or have two years of experience working with veterans.
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.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
Driver qualifications are required. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for 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.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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; assists them to stay engaged through follow‑ups, safety plans and resource referrals.
Meets regularly with clients, 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‑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 maintains detailed and up‑to‑date case records.
Enter complete client data and service transactions in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Maintains 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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Driving, walking, and/or hiking long distances multiple times a week into camps.
Frequently use 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Close quarters, often with a homeless or client population.
Outdoor work environment in weather elements, with frequent interruptions and demands.
Variable and flexible work hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Frequent trips into camps throughout Marion and Polk County.
Occasional exposure to biohazards requiring frequent use of PPE such as gloves, masks, eye protection, protective clothing and shoes or boots.
MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585‑6232.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Veteran Outreach Specialist is responsible for working within a multi‑system collaborative setting, representing MWVCAA. They will implement a unified outreach initiative targeting 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 directing households to appropriate Veteran Housing Service opportunities; assisting in obtaining housing readiness documentation (ID, birth certificate, income); assisting with applications for housing and other basic needs; enrolling veteran households into applicable VHS programs; providing case management and rental assistance; working with community partners to identify gaps in services. This grant‑funded, full‑time position is located at the ARCHES Project and is renewable annually based on continuation of project funding.
This is a Day Shift position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience:
Two years of case management or housing experience and experience coordinating community resources, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Candidates must have served in the armed forces or have two years of experience working with veterans.
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.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
Driver qualifications are required. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for 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.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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; assists them to stay engaged through follow‑ups, safety plans and resource referrals.
Meets regularly with clients, 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‑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 maintains detailed and up‑to‑date case records.
Enter complete client data and service transactions in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Maintains 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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Driving, walking, and/or hiking long distances multiple times a week into camps.
Frequently use 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Close quarters, often with a homeless or client population.
Outdoor work environment in weather elements, with frequent interruptions and demands.
Variable and flexible work hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Frequent trips into camps throughout Marion and Polk County.
Occasional exposure to biohazards requiring frequent use of PPE such as gloves, masks, eye protection, protective clothing and shoes or boots.
MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585‑6232.
#J-18808-Ljbffr