Veteran Navigator - SSVF

The Salvation Army Mission:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Job Objective:

Provide direct street homeless outreach, engagement, location, identification, and screening of homeless Veteran households to determine eligibility for Rapid Re-housing or Homeless Prevention services. Provide Vet-to-Vet support based on assessed need, housing stability plan, or Veteran request for assistance navigating Veteran resources. The Veteran Navigator will implement coordinated outreach efforts within service area communities to implement rapid resolution/problem solving approaches within the coordinated entry systems (CES) in each locality in coordination with the Rapid Resolution Case Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Homeless Veteran Outreach and Engagement: Provide direct street homeless Veteran outreach and engagement per the coordinated Outreach Plan, or as instructed by the supervisor. Participate in outreach team meetings. Provide homeless shelter outreach, including homeless drop-in centers, and locations frequented by homeless Veteran households. Utilize effective engagement strategies to build rapport with the target population including rapid resolution problem solving conversations. Document outreach conducted on the outreach log along with type of outreach, location and results. Identify potential eligible Veterans and conduct pre-screening interviews in accordance with SSVF eligibility standards, definitions, and Veteran discharge status.
• Information & Referral: Provide information about SSVF services, information, and/or referrals to callers and walk-in inquiries about SSVF services to community partners, referral sources, and potential Veteran households. Document all requests for services, referrals made, information, and inquiries about the program.
• Eligibility Pre-Screening: Following established protocols, pre-screen phone callers and walk-ins of Veterans/Veteran Families at the "front door" to collect information pertaining to Veteran status and immediate housing needs. Submit documentation of eligibility pre-screening for Service Coordinator review/approval and Case Manager hand off. Follow homeless diversion/rapid resolution protocol when conducting pre-screening. Complete Coordinated Assessment per the requirements of the Veteran household's CoC location and as instructed by the Service Coordinator. Enter Coordinated Assessment information into HMIS. Document ineligible Veterans and provide appropriate referrals per Service Coordinator instruction. Secure community private meeting spaces that are convenient for Veterans and staff to conduct screenings. Provide assistance in making follow-up contacts with program participants as requested by the supervisor.
• Homeless Veteran Community In-Reach: Identify in-reach at naturally occurring sites to make contact with homeless Veterans: emergency assistance sites, VAMCs, CBOCs, law enforcement, and Salvation Army Corps/Service Extensions. Provide SSVF program information to community providers, Veteran-serving organizations and other community outreach venues as approved in the Outreach Plan or as requested by the supervisor.
• Homeless Veteran Outreach Events: Take a lead role in coordinating program participation in CoC coordinated homeless outreach events, including: CoC PIT, Stand Down, Vet2Vet, Project Homeless Connect, and Boots on the Ground, and homeless/Veteran outreach, under the supervision of the Service Coordinator.
• Assistance in Obtaining VA Benefits/Services: Provide assistance to Veterans to obtain VA benefits and services. Document all referrals and assistance provided in the case file and HMIS. If approved, provide transportation to appointments related to housing stability. Provide the team with information and training updates on VA benefits/services/resources as requested.
• Vet-to-Vet Support: Provide Vet-to-Vet support, coaching, and mentoring, based on the assessment, housing stability plan, and needs identified by the Service Coordinator. Provide a Veteran perspective for assisting Veterans in overcoming challenges, barriers, and by providing hope, in weekly team meetings and in staff training. Provide documentation of Vet-to-Vet activities.
• Agency and Community Networking: Establish contacts and maintain professional working relationships with Veteran-centric and Veteran-Serving Organizations, VAMCs, community-based resources, as stated in the Outreach Plan or as scheduled with the supervisor. Attend agency and community meetings as requested by the supervisor. Support the Agency's mission and purpose in the role of a SSVF Veteran Navigator when networking. Provide updates to SSVF team on current trends and new services/resources available for Veterans. Provide information to the supervisor on gaps, barriers, and needs of homeless Veterans not currently met by Veteran/community resources. Document agency/community networking on the outreach log.
• Risk Management & Continuous Quality Improvement: Ensure participant confidentiality in accordance with established procedures and regulations. Project a positive, helpful, respectful, professional and patient demeanor with Veterans, callers, visitors, community contacts, and others. Comply with the Territorial Social Services Code of Ethics. Follow safety and security protocols. Maintain professional boundaries at all times. Participate in team meeting case reviews and seek consultation from the Service Coordinator. Submit monthly outreach logs to the Service Coordinator. Keep documentation complete, accurate, up to date, and in compliance with standards.
• Employment Outreach: Conduct outreach to potential employers and connect Veterans to jobs, employers, and training programs.
• Special Projects: Assist as requested in identification of new safe, affordable rental units as requested by the supervisor.
• Prior Approval is Required for the Following Activities: Making contacts with local, county, state or federal government officials or legislators, outside of the approved Outreach Plan, requires advance supervisory approval, and possible Divisional approval. New outreach events may require submission of an Outreach Request Form.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Communication: Verbal and written communication is clear and professional and listens effectively to others.
• Works Efficiently: Understands and performs job roles, functions, tasks, and responsibilities. Work is focused on program goals and accomplishes assignments.
• Service Orientation: Provides appropriate leadership and management of coworkers to ensure delivery of quality services.
• Team Work: Builds good working relationships with others and is cooperative and respectful.
• Flexibility/Adaptability: Accepts change in a positive manner, effectively adapts to changing needs of program.
• Financial Impact: Values, guards and uses efficiently, the assets, and resources of The Salvation Army.
• Initiative: Self-starter and responds appropriately and quickly.
• Self-Development: Seeks new opportunities to learn and grow in job duties.
• Technology Proficiency/Change: Learns and adapts to new procedures, policies, and technologies.
• Innovation/Creativity: Generates ideas and offers solutions.
• Attendance/Timeliness: Good attendance, punctuality, prioritizes tasks, and responds promptly.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor degree in human services OR closely related field of study OR Bachelor's degree WITH evidence of a military leadership position OR military experience closely related to human services; relevant experience, as determined by The Salvation Army, may be considered in lieu of education

Experience:

• Required: Position must be filled by individual with prior military service and honorable discharge status.
• Prefer military Veteran with prior active duty deployment.
• Experience in human services OR military leadership OR experience in recruiting, reintegration, chaplaincy, or mental health.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
• Knowledge of local Veteran and community-based resources.
• Prefer knowledge of Veteran-centric resources, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicide prevention.

Competencies:

• Collaborative Skills & Competencies: Ability to form collaborative alliances and contributions in a team oriented work environment.
• Communication Skills & Competencies: Professional written and verbal communication skills in Standard English. Communication and concise articulation of information to others.
• Cultural Competency Skills & Competencies: Adaptable in culturally diverse environments, respect for cultural differences, and comfort level working with "military" and "veteran" cultures.
• 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.
• Coach-ability: Receptive to feedback, willing to learn and embrace continuous improvement.
• Time Management: Manage tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

Certifications/Licenses: None required

Physical Requirements: Include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and twisting; grasping, pushing, and pulling objects; reaching overhead; lifting up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Travel: Ability to travel 75% of the travel. Most travel is accomplished in one day with periodic overnight travel out of town possible depending on service area.

Driving: Driving is required. Must possess a valid driver's license from the state in which you reside. Must be approved through The Salvation Army Fleet Safety Program to drive either a Salvation Army or personal vehicle on Salvation Army business.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a typical office environment. Full-time position; may require some weekend and evening work. Must pass a background check and meet requirements of agency's drug free workplace policy.

Other Requirements: The SSVF program provides services to vulnerable adult households. Applicants with felony convictions for child abuse, endangerment, or crimes against persons, cannot be considered.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.