Veteran Support Specialist
Volunteers of America, Chesapeake Inc.

Job Info

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COMPANY OVERVIEW

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas empowers self-reliance and inspires hope. As a church without walls, we do this through personalized housing, ministry, health, and human services that benefit vulnerable individuals, their families and the community. Founded in 1896 in Baltimore, MD by social reformers, Ballington and Maud Booth, we were one of the first of over 30 affiliates of Volunteers of America - one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations.

Our founders envisioned a movement dedicated to reaching and uplifting the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged "to go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand". Their declaration continues to guide Volunteers of America's impact on "Helping America's most vulnerable".

Through a dedicated and committed team of more than 850 employees and thousands of volunteers, we provide critical care, support services and hope to thousands of people each year throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. We firmly believe our employees drive the success of the organization. Through our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, we endeavor to attract, engage and retain qualified, diverse, compassionate individuals to join our journey and experience a work environment that offers challenging, stimulating and financially rewarding opportunities.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs responsibilities that provide comprehensive services to program clients that reside in Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas, Inc. Maple Court transitional housing program. Responsibilities include housing and employment placement, assistance in obtaining benefits, developing a service plan, and developing and monitoring an aftercare follow-up plan. Incumbent acts as an advocate and liaison between the client and community service providers to ensure appropriate utilization of resources in meeting the needs of the client.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Provides residents with individual and/or crisis counseling, as needed.
  
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  Monitors, documents and ensures client's compliance with program participation.
  
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  Conducts assessments, develops and monitors service plans based on assessment for clients enrolled in a treatment and/or transitional living program.
  
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  Maintains detailed documentation on assessment and case management plans; updates case plans as needed as goals are achieved; keep a detailed record following each client contact in case notes; document case management activities.
  
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  Maintains detailed statistical data on clients for use in required reporting.
  
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  Monitors, documents, and ensures resident's compliance with program rules.
  
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  Provides one-on-one sessions with clients as necessary and required.
  
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  Provides life skills training and other necessary groups and keep documentation of content and participation.
  

Outreach

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  Incumbent may participate in and conduct independent outreach efforts throughout the community by delivering 'street-based' services to individuals in need of immediate services such as mental health treatment, drug/alcohol treatment, shelter, food, clothing, transportation, etc. using the existing community networking systems
  
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  Provides information, referrals, and linkages to community agencies as needed for services such as housing, employment, health care, etc.
  
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  Provide referral services for a variety of issues to include behavioral health, housing, and employment issues.
  
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  Develop cooperative relationships with other social service providers to utilize to best meet client needs.
  
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  Run weekly resident community meetings and participate in weekly staff meetings.
  
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  Works with Program Director and Residential Monitors to prepare for and comply with inspection requirements.
  
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  Works with residents and in cooperation with Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant Per Diem (GPD) Liaison and social workers to develop and follow individualized service plans.
  
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  Maintains records on each resident regarding program progress, including action plans for the residents and supportive services plan for VOAC staff.
  
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  In conjunction with the Program Director: Plans, implements, provide referrals as necessary, and organizes social services for residents to include, but not limited to the following:
  
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    Budgeting, Job Searches, Educational Counseling, Student Tutoring, Providing Individual Resident needs, Permanent Housing Counseling, Government benefits, including mainstream resources of VA benefits, Medicaid, and food stamps, Substance Abuse Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Home Health Nurses, Physical Health Screening and counseling, Legal Counsel and support, Public Housing Agency and other housing providers, Arrange onsite services and groups.
    

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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  Participates in committee meetings, staff meetings and other activities and/or meetings contributing to the effective, efficient operation of the program and agency.
  
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  Maintains detailed statistical data and other client and program information for use in monthly reporting.
  
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  Provides transportation services to clients when needed.
  
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  Adheres to program and agency expectations as outlined in Volunteers of America's policies and procedures.
  
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  Performs duties of the job in accordance with organizational safety policies. Performs other duties as assigned.
  

EFFECT ON END RESULT:

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  Participant employment, family, social support and life-skill issues are rapidly addressed and supports and services are amended or adjusted as required to ensure the maintenance of housing, economic stability or attainment of benefits, and socialization of Participant and family in the community.
  
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  Client file documentation is complete and timely. Statistical information is documented and reported.
  

Requirements

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  This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in the area of human and/or social services or the behavioral sciences.
  
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  Education and/or verifiable work experience with at-risk populations is required (homeless, veterans, behavioral health, drug/alcohol addiction, employment, youth, residential).
  
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  Incumbent must be able to exhibit an ability to engage or intervene with clients experiencing crisis.
  
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  Veteran or Veteran Family Member strongly preferred.
  
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  Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and abilities.
  
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  Must demonstrate the ability to professionally represent the program, VOACC, and effectively interact with multi-cultural and diverse populations.
  

OTHER :

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  This position requires driving the agency and/or your personal vehicle for agency business. Must be privileged to drive according to the criteria set forth by Agency MVR guidelines.
  

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  Valid driver's license in jurisdiction of residence
  
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  Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle)
  

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  Acceptable Criminal background check, OIG Exclusion check
  
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  Negative Drug Screening
  
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  CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed
  
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  Must be able to operate Microsoft applications, organize and prioritize work, time management, meet deadlines and operate office equipment.
  
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  Position requires work schedule flexibility to include evening hours and possible weekend hours.
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

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  The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.
  
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  The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.
  
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  Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
  
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  The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time
  

OTHER DUTIES :

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This job has expired.