SSVF Outreach

Status: Non Exempt

Job Summary:

The SSVF Outreach Specialist is responsible to provide case management and supportive services by means of assessing the needs for and application and access to VA benefits and housing referrals to very low income homeless, at risk veterans living in camps, on the streets and in emergency shelters including those with mental health, substance abuse, HIV, co-occurring disorders and other barriers to housing. This position works collaboratively with other members of the SSVF Team, the HOPE Team, and the Health Care Center for the Homeless providing referral services to primary care, dental, vision and mental health and housing to the chronically homeless.

Responsibilities:

· Responsible to engage homeless veterans for the purpose of determining VA eligibility; refer clients to mainstream benefits (i.e. food stamps, SSI/SSDI, food pantry, etc.); link veterans to medical services (i.e. VA medical programs or Health Care Center for the Homeless); and refer to eligible housing programs via the other SSVF team members (i.e. SSVF Benefits Navigator, VA or civilian housing programs).

· Develops individualized case plans to increase veterans’ access to VA benefits in collaboration with the VA Benefits navigator; as well as increase their accessibility to mainstream benefits, medical care and housing.

· Performs a variety of functions including data entry and preparing reports.

· Performs any other department or agency related duties or special projects as directed by Supervisor

Requirements:

· Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work or related field required

· Extensive case management experience required.

· Experience working with homeless clients, specifically veterans.

· Motivated to work with the Center’s disenfranchised homeless living in the woods and in the streets of Central Florida with a positive, upbeat worldview

· Reliable, compassionate, physically fit and able to work in often-unpleasant surroundings.

· Commitment to the mission of the Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc.

· Valid State of Florida driver license

· Strong interpersonal skills and effective judgment in interviewing clients and coordinating services with community agencies.

· Knowledge of the VA and mainstream benefits.

· Good writing skills for program planning, reporting and correspondence.

· Ability to use independent judgment, performs research, investigations, and recommends solutions.