ORGANIZATION: SHELTER, Inc. is an independent, community-based non-profit organization created in 1986 to lead the effort to eliminate homelessness. We currently operate in Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano and Sacramento Counties.
MISSION: To prevent and end homelessness among low-income, homeless, and disadvantaged families and individuals by providing housing services, support and resources that lead to self-sufficiency.
JOB TITLE: Outreach Specialist – Veteran Services
STATUS: Non-exempt/Full Time
TEAM: Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP)
Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Children (SSVF)
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
SUPERVISES: None
PURPOSE of ROLE: This position promotes programs, services and resources to homeless/unstably housed Veterans and families in the community and performs a variety of services to encourage this population to participate in programs that enable them to become sheltered, housed, employed and to remain stable. This position provides information and referrals as appropriate, and inputs information into HMIS database. This position will also be responsible for building rapport and providing education to SHELTER, Inc. employees, city personnel, county and local officials.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
OUTREACH
- Leads and implements homeless community outreach, education, and response efforts.
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- Seek out, speak to, build relationships and educate homeless individuals.
- Answers questions, provide information and referrals as needed.
- Enter data into HMIS system.
- Tracking outreach efforts through thorough documentation; this documentation will include, but is not limited to documentation in HMIS.
- Maintains and updates a community outreach database with relevant contact information and locations.
- Develops relationships with local social services and public benefit agencies, shelters, and faith-based and community-based organization providing services to low-income, at-risk, and Veteran families experiencing homelessness, especially those from marginalized populations.
- Develops and maintains relationships with local social service organizations, VA facilities, including Vet Centers, AJCCs, and Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) offices for referrals.
- Host local informational events and represents the organization at community outreach events and meetings, including Veteran Stand Down event.
- Is comfortable with approaching, building relationships and providing services to underserved Veterans who are homeless, mentally ill or abusing substances.
- Understands and endorses harm reduction practices.
- Serves as point of contact for collaboration between City, Local and County Government liaisons, County Outreach Coordinators and other agencies.
- Track and report intakes and exits to originating referral sources, such as other agencies, county Outreach Coordinator etc.
SCREENING, ASSESSMENT & TRACKING
- Screens phone calls, offers information and referrals to other SHELTER, Inc. programs and other community agencies.
- Assesses Veterans for legal service needs and other barriers which may prevent obtaining housing and/or employment.
- Refers clients to all appropriate public benefit programs, including providing information about how to contact applicable Homeless Coordinated Entry System.
- Uses electronic methods to collect and document eligibility information.
- Coordinates with Veteran Administration to assist clients with insurance eligibility, as well as enrollment in funding programs
- Regularly reports participant situations to appropriate staff and supervisor.
ADMINISTRATIVE
- Maintains computerized log of daily activities and completes simple reports and other forms.
- Provides information regarding services provided by SHELTER, Inc. Coordinates with Veterans Administration to assist clients with insurance eligibility, as well as enrollment in funding programs.
- Tracking outreach efforts through thorough documentation; this documentation will include, but is not limited to documentation in HMIS.
- Maintains and updates a community outreach database with relevant contact information and locations.
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- Attends SHELTER, Inc. internal meetings and outside trainings as assigned.
- Works on special projects and internal task force committees as assigned.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EXPECTED PROFICIENCIES:
- Excellent communicator.
- Enthusiastic and positive attitude with clients of different economic situations
- Knowledge of Veteran services, public assistance, substance abuse and mental health assistance programs.
- Professionalism, including maintaining confidentiality and setting boundaries.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Adaptability.
- Timeliness.
- Basic competency in data entry.
MINUIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working with low income and/or homeless populations.
- Minimum of an AA degree or equivalent
- Ability to effectively communicate with individuals of various levels of education.
- Computer skills including experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 1-year of experience working with the Veteran population
- At least 1-year of experience working in sales
- Experience using HMIS
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
There are no unusual environmental conditions. Typically, the noise level in the work environment is quiet.
Benefit Package Includes
- 18 days of Paid Time Off to start, stepping up to 25 days over 8 years (vacation, sick, personal)
- 15 paid holidays including your birthday!
- Tuition reimbursement
- Medical insurance Fully paid employee coverage of at least three plans and 50% of dependents premium (Kaiser, Sutter Health and Anthem Blue Cross)
- Dental Fully paid employee coverage and 50% of your dependent’s premium
- Vision Fully paid employee coverage and 50% of your dependent’s premium
- Flexible spending account
- Group term Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Fully paid employee coverage
- Long-term disability insurance Fully paid employee coverage
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Pet Insurance through Wishbone Pet Insurance
- Voluntary Aflac insurances
- 403b Retirement Plan with matching contribution
