Job Title: Veteran Specialist
Department: Client Services
Program: SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)
Reports To: SSVF Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time
Position Summary
A full-time position providing eligibility screening and case management services to very low-income veterans/veteran families in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. The Veteran Specialist will identify and engage with current and previously homeless individuals and families to assist them in obtaining and retaining permanent affordable housing. The position is responsible for maintaining timely and accurate financial assistance records, case notes and evaluation and reporting requirements.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):
Client Services
- Identify veterans/veteran families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
- Conduct comprehensive SSVF intake to include assessment of strengths and challenges.
- Assist veterans in development of Housing Stabilization Plan focusing on housing, income, and self-care goals. Conduct home visits.
- Ongoing monitoring of the Housing Stabilization Plan as a tool to achieve self-sufficiency.
- Provide comprehensive case management services to veterans/veteran families.
- Provide appropriate referrals and linkages to community partnerships and resources.
- Screen all SSVF eligible participants to determine if they are currently enrolled for health care and other supportive services provided by the VA.
- Maintain a caseload of 17+ households.
Targeted Community Outreach and Engagement
- Assist the SSVF Program Manager with developing and maintaining relationships with groups and organizations which serve veterans.
- A minimum of 10% of the Veteran Specialist’s time will be spent on outreach efforts to the most vulnerable veterans.
- Collaborate with the SSVF Community Housing Specialist in maintaining effective communication with property managers/landlords.
Collaboration
- Establish a cooperative working relationship with community partners serving veterans.
- Work with the Caritas SSVF Program Manager to identify and document best practice processes and procedures.
- As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas Employment Specialists to link clients to employment.
- Develop professional relationships with external job sources / employers to encourage hiring.
- As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas Education Specialists to link clients to Education.
- Attend program collaboration meetings and training sessions as requested by the Program Manager.
Client Data and Record Keeping
- Manage case data by entering client data in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in a timely manner.
- Regularly prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
Organizational Support Functions
- Work cooperatively with all components of Caritas services.
- Engage in appropriate teamwork functions in order to provide a professional work environment and effective service-delivery.
- Attend Caritas staff meetings, Housing Services Department meetings and other meetings and training sessions as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education
- Required – Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university; a degree in social work or a related degree in the area of human services is preferred.
- Preferred – Master’s degree in social work or a related field preferred.
Experience
- Required – Minimum of one year of experience directly providing case management to clients in a social services setting.
- Preferred – Experience working with veterans/veteran families or homeless populations.
Computer Skills
- Experience working with various software programs: word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
Other Requirement(s)
Valid Texas Driver License within 30 days of employment.
Salary/Benefits:
- Base Salary Range: $45,166-$51,490.
- Employer paid health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance for employees.
- 14 Paid Holidays per year.
- 20 days of accrued PTO in year one with increases up to 31 days per year.
- Retirement plan with employer match.
- Discounted Rates on Gold’s Gym and Legal Shield memberships.
- Mileage Reimbursement.
- Monthly Phone Stipend.
- Monthly Paid Parking for employees who office from Downtown Location.
Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
