Veteran Supportive Services Specialist – New Beginnings
The Veteran Supportive Services Specialist will serve as the on-site case management support for Johnson Court (.75 FTE), the City Housing Authority’s 16-unit apartment development for very-low and low-income veterans; and as a Veteran Supportive Services Specialist for New Beginnings’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program (.25 FTE). The Veteran Supportive Services Specialist will report to New Beginnings and will meet with veterans to provide supportive services and to promote housing retention, community integration, life skills, coordination with other community providers, and improved mental health and wellness.
Position Duties:
- Facilitate the connection and enrollment of veterans into eligible and applicable veteran and community programs and resources;
- Support veterans, collaboratively working with the on-site Johnson Court property manager, neighbors, SSVF Program staff, and existing and newly developed case management providers as needed in order for the veterans to thrive within their housing;
- Strive to recognize the best in each client and to support them through building relationships and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and strength based case management techniques;
- Provide client engagement by welcoming the veteran to their new community, addressing basic needs, establishing trust and assisting the client with understanding the services that are available to them;
- Meet with veterans on a regularly scheduled basis and document growth and strength in progress notes and in HMIS;
- Provide home and field-based services as appropriate and transport veterans as needed to essential appointments that support their well-being as able while following COVID guidelines;
- Assist client with navigating and abiding by their lease obligations;
- Support veterans with learning and practicing fiscal responsibilities;
- Work with veteran service offices, Behavioral Wellness, community partners and volunteers, and the housing authority to provide and coordinate on-site wellness activities, instructional, skills-building and social activities;
- Assist client with their physical and mental health needs by providing support and linkage to appropriate services;
- Triage any emergent situations; and
- Participate in client review meetings and provide input to the Housing Authority and community partners as appropriate.
Expected Competencies:
- Veteran status or previous experience working with veterans is preferred.
- Master’s Degree or higher in Clinical Psychology or related field strongly preferred; a minimum of one year case management experience; licensed or pre-licensed mental health professional strongly preferred, e.g., LCSW, MFT, LPCC, Psychologist, Psych Assistant, etc.
- Knowledge of HMIS and Housing First model preferred but not required;
- Experience with homeless, vulnerable and/or diverse population and the knowledge surrounding poverty and social factors involved;
- Ability to understand the needs of formerly homeless people with disabilities and to develop collaborative goals towards greater self-sufficiency and independence in the greater community;
- Respond to all persons in a calm, supportive and professional manner;
- Knowledgeable of the dynamics of chemical dependency, mental disorders and the effects of homelessness;
- Excellent verbal and written skills; and
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, computer literacy and willingness to learn other applications.
Work hours are Monday – Friday, 9-5 although there will be some occasional night time and weekend hours to facilitate veteran activities, organize and/or attend community events, and/or to manage any off-hour client crises that may arise. Must have a working vehicle with liability insurance and pass a background check. Must also be willing and able to drive agency van with veterans to and from events and appointments on occasion. Position is 40 hours, with salary ranging from $45,760 – $62,400 DOE, with basic medical and dental benefits provided, as well as generous paid time off. Position begins immediately.
Send resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references to hr@nullsbnbcc.org. If we feel you are a good match for the position, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
A majority of the work will take place in the office environment or in the field. However, given COVID-19 and the resulting and frequent changes in workplace safety protocols, as well as our desire to continue limiting the number of people in the office to effectively achieve social distancing as appropriate, some remote work from home may be expected in order to reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. In addition, New Beginnings maintains a supply of PPE, and provides regular health and safety updates regarding agency COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ancestry; national origin; religion/creed; sex/sexual orientation; gender; gender identity/expression, transition; political affiliation or beliefs; disability, medical condition, generic information, marital status; military/veteran status; pregnancy and conditions related thereto.; or any other characteristic protected by law (as defined by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act — Government Code Section 12900-12996), except where such discrimination is based on a bona fide occupational qualification.