Veteran Support Specialist - U.S. VETS

Long Beach, CA 90810

About the Job

Veteran Support Specialist
The Veteran Support Specialist reports directly to the Veteran Service Coordinator (VSC) at the designated U.S.VETS site. With supervision, the Veteran Support Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and services to veterans to achieve their highest level of independence and assists in the daily implementation of day-to-day basic residential services.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Responsibilities:
For Veteran Support Specialists of all U.S.VETS Programs:

Ensures harmonious atmosphere within program by maintaining communication with and being liaison between the clinical staff and program staff and fostering the therapeutic community environment among clients
Establishes rapport and maintains a professional relationship and boundaries with clients and potential clients.
Coordinates individual and group services that help veterans achieve specific life and recovery goals and support success
Responsible for the preventing or de-escalating any problematic behaviors among clients including submitting Incident Reports to the Veteran Service Coordinator or Lead Veterans Service Assistant concerning these events
Assists with maintaining compliance with VA, HUD, and other funder regulations and organization protocols in requesting third party documentation and ensuring all program documentation is collected and maintained
Participates in case conferences, consultations, and staffing with appropriate staff.
Facilitates and/or participates in monthly Town Hall meetings.
Assists Case Managers in maintaining confidential client files in a professional and timely manner ensuring all forms are the most recently revised versions and in compliance with organization standards; all required documents are present, complete, signed by the client and staff as applicable; and documents are placed in the correct order according to organization standards
Maintains confidentiality in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards
Assists in quality management activities, data collection, and preparing reports
Attends scheduled team meetings and trainings
Maintains and submits time sheets, mileage logs, supportive service requests, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely fashion
Responsible for addressing client issues timely to ensure non-interruption of services
With supervision, facilitates support groups and life skills classes and assists with teaching daily living skills on an individual level to those with specific needs
Assists with monitoring program rent/participant fee compliance to assist clients in prioritizing housing
Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs.
Transports clients to community medical, housing, errands, and other appointments and accompanies for support as needed
Coordinates therapeutic, social/recreational activities and outings
Performs other duties as required
Additional Program-Specific Duties

U.S.VETS has various programs in which a Veteran Support Specialist may be assigned to, including Transitional Housing, Long-Term Supportive Housing, and Mental Health programs, that have additional program-specific duties as outlined below:
For Veteran Support Specialists working with Transitional Housing (TH) programs:

Assists with ensuring clients are accounted for daily through contact, bed check, and/or daily sign-in logs
Reviews and determines client eligibility for passes and communicates decision to Case Manager consulting as needed
Conducts toxicology testing of clients
Conducts room checks/inspections to ensure health and welfare of clients
Encourages and coordinates client participation in program activities based on the client’s program track/model and goals

For Veteran Support Specialists working with Long-Term Supportive Housing (LTSH) programs:
o Maintain and post calendar monthly of meaningful activities for clients to include at least 2 activities/classes per week and a monthly Town Hall meeting
o Facilitate two shuttle van runs per week to the VA and grocery store
o Coordinates services and provides information and referral to both U.S.VETS services/programs and resources in the general community
o Under supervision and direction of U.S.VETS, acts as liaison with Property Management team of housing facility in which LTSH clients live. May assist with resident lock-outs and contacts property personnel for major property issues
o Seeks support from Clinical staff as needed for crisis intervention and other therapeutic intervention

For Veteran Support Specialists working with Mental Health programs:

May report directly to the Director of Behavioral Health
Undergraduate in social sciences or related field preferred but will consider candidate attaining degree in social sciences or related field
Minimum of one year of direct practice (paid or volunteer)
Maintains hours that are conducive to client needs (evenings and weekends will be required)
For Houston site: ensures compliance with Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) grant requirements.

For Veteran Support Specialists focusing on income and benefits advocacy:
Collaborates with and may report to the Income & Benefits Specialist or directly to the Clinical Director to assist clients with applying for and navigating the benefits acquisition process.
Transports and accompanies clients to benefits appointments with VA, Social Security, etc.
Assists clients in creating and adhering to a personal budget to include making rent payments on time to prioritize housing

Requirements:

High School Diploma required
One year of experience in social services or related field preferred
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
Experience working with homeless and/or veterans preferred
Experience facilitating support groups preferred
Strong oral and written communication skills
Professional manner and appearance
Ability to work independently and within a team
Ability to take direction
Ability to work effectively with diverse group of clients, staff, and community members
Computer proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet and ability to use client tracking databases and electronic case records
Valid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
U.S.VETS subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. U.S.VETS’ policy is to provide employment, compensation, and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, U.S.VETS intends to comply fully with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and the information requested on this application will be used only for purposes consistent with those laws.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT - REQUEST FOR:
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
In accordance with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S.VETS’ policy is to provide reasonable accommodation for applicants requesting accommodation(s) during the application process, so the applicant may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment. If any candidate needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify U.S.VETS in any of the following ways: by calling 213-542-2600, U.S. Mail, or hand deliver to U.S.VETS, 800 West 6th Street, Suite 1505, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Attention: Human Resources – Job Applicant Request.

Mission Statement:
U.S.VETS’ mission is the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development, and comprehensive support.
Rev. 01/30/24

Source : U.S. VETS