SSVF Housing Intervention Specialist/Prescreener

SSVF THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: SSVF Housing Intervention Specialist/Prescreener

LOCATION/DEPT: Remote Position - The Salvation Army Veterans Services/Social Services Dept.

REPORTS to (TITLE): SSVF Housing Intervention Coordinator

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

OUTCOMES:

NCI SSVF Housing Intervention Specialist/prescreener provides strength-based case management focusing specifically on homeless diversion, rapid resolution and local coordinated entry effort to very low-income and extremely low-income Veteran households seeking enrollment in SSVF's Rapid Rehousing or Homeless Prevention services. This position will be responsible for assessing Veterans eligibility for enrollment and making appropriate referrals/linkages to community services for ineligible households. This position fosters a deeper understanding of the life-changing work carried out by The Salvation Army North and Central Division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Prescreen Case Management (70%)

• Provides strength-based case management focusing specifically on homeless diversion, rapid resolution and local CES efforts.
• Conducts pre-screening interviews with potential applicants for all eleven (11) SSVF locations in accordance with SSVF eligibility guidelines.
• Provides Veterans/families appropriate referrals/ linkages to community services as needed.
• Performs intake including required documentation for admission, referral needs, housing plan, program details and expectations.
• Ensures client confidentiality in accordance with established procedures and regulations.
• Participates in trainings and workshops as directed by the SSVF Program Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned as related to the SSVF program.

Administrative (20%)

• Maintains documentation of all pre-screen calls, tracks data and provides monthly summary report to the SSVF Housing Intervention Coordinator monthly.
• Participates in quality assurance activities evaluating program effectiveness and outcomes.
• Performs HMIS (SIMS) data entry, reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and comprehensiveness.
• Comply with all policies and procedures of the program and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Collaboration (10%)

• Maintains an active role in VA and community meetings as requested. Maintains existing and fosters new collaborative working relationships with community partners.
• Maintains positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters good relationship with clients, co-workers, and supervisors. This includes but is not limited to resolution of conflicts in a professional manner, courteous treatment of staff, visitors and clients, respect of others' property and person, and professional and appropriate communication to and about clients, co-workers and supervisors.
• Coordinates case management with VA, CoC, mainstream, community-based and employment resources. Coordinates with SSVF and GPD staff to meet household's housing crisis.
• Coordinates with SSVF and GPD staff in homeless Veteran outreach and engagement to identify homeless Veterans for rapid resolution interventions.
• Develop and maintain relations with local social services, public benefit agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, VA facilities, Vet Centers and Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) offices, as well as state Department of Labor staff, HVRP, employers and other referral networks.
• Establishes linkages with appropriate agencies and service providers in the area/community.

OCCASIONAL OVERNIGHT AND WEEKEND TRAVEL

Involves occasional driving to offsite meetings/trainings and conducting occasional in-person meetings with program participants.

• Occasionally work weekends to accommodate event schedules, or other organizational needs. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet deadlines and ensure successful event execution.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and auto insurance.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possesses a minimum of a bachelor's degree in related field. Comparable 1-2 years' experience working with homeless population.
• Advanced degree in social work, counseling or human services is ideal.
• Previous experience with social services and/or homeless programs.
• Experience working with Veterans and families.
• Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.
• Veteran status preferred.

COMPENTENCIES

• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Willing and able to think outside the box when searching for solutions.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Motivational interviewing skills.
• Understanding of domestic/intimate partner violence indicators and risk factors.
• Able to work with individuals of diverse legal backgrounds.
• Able to identify safety or health issues that may need to be considered during prescreen process.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure and time sensitive environment.
• Demonstrates ability to use computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office software and HMIS system.
• Must maintain and execute confidential information.
• Knowledge of services, policies, and procedures related to Salvation Army processes.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• An attention to detail.

• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimum supervision.
• An ability to work with confidential material.
• A decision-making approach that uses good judgment.

POSITION LIMITATIONS (What this position must do)

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Legal Services Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• This individual must receive successful completion of background screening as well as employment eligibility verification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 40 lbs.
• The work environment for this position normally includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• Must be able to travel to multiple sites.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.