Veteran Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Description

Title: Health Care Navigator/Case Manager (SSVF) Reports To: Lead Veteran Advocate

Hours: Full Time Supervises: None

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly) OSHA Exposure Category: III

Staff Name (if known):

Position Summary:

The Veteran Advocate/Case Manager provides comprehensive, Veteran-centered case management and housing stabilization services to Veterans and their families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This position maintains an active caseload and works collaboratively with participants to assess needs, develop individualized housing stability plans, coordinate services and resources, and address barriers to obtaining and maintaining permanent housing. The Veteran Advocate/Case Manager works closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs, community partners, landlords, and other service providers to promote housing stability, self-sufficiency, and positive participant outcomes. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain an active caseload of eligible Veterans and their families experiencing or at risk of homelessness and provide individualized case management and housing stabilization services in accordance with program requirements.
• Conduct screenings, intake, eligibility and needs assessments, and ongoing reassessments; collaborate with participants to develop, monitor, and update individualized housing stability plans.
• Provide ongoing case management using Veteran-centered, Housing First, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Assist participants in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining safe and appropriate permanent housing and addressing barriers that impact housing stability.
• Coordinate referrals, warm handoffs, and advocacy to connect participants with VA and community-based services, benefits, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, and other resources that support housing and economic stability.
• Maintain regular participant contact and conduct home visits, community-based meetings, and other field-based services based on assessed needs and housing stability plans.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community partners to support housing placement, tenancy, and housing retention.
• Assess and coordinate requests for temporary financial assistance and other program-funded services in accordance with participant needs, program policies, grant requirements, and allowable cost guidelines.
• Maintain accurate, timely, complete, and confidential participant records and required documentation, including accurate data entry in HMIS and other required electronic systems.
• Monitor participant progress and adjust services and housing stability plans as needs or circumstances change, supporting the development of natural supports and community connections that promote long-term stability.
• Participate in case conferences, case reviews, and multidisciplinary staffing and communicate participant safety concerns, critical incidents, or other matters requiring additional support to program leadership.
• Participate in outreach and community engagement activities to identify and connect eligible Veterans and their families with program services.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of VA, housing, homeless services, public benefits, and other community resources and maintain effective working relationships with service partners.
• Participate in required program meetings, trainings, supervision, quality improvement activities, and professional development.
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related experience may be considered.

Experience and Competencies

• Experience providing case management, housing services, homeless services, Veteran services, or other human services preferred.
• Experience with or knowledge of intake, assessment, service planning, resource coordination, and community-based service delivery preferred.
• Working knowledge of or ability to learn Housing First, trauma-informed care, strengths-based case management, and other applicable service approaches.
• Ability to manage an active caseload, prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality, and uphold high standards of ethical conduct.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while demonstrating professional conduct and cultural humility in interactions with diverse populations, including Veterans and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Experience with HMIS or other electronic case management systems preferred; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn required electronic information systems.
• Multilingual abilities preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance.
• CPR and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe established by the agency.