Veterans Outreach Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The primary responsibilities of the Veteran Outreach Manager are to conduct extensive outreach to low-income veterans through a variety of means, including but not limited to direct street outreach, participating in Service Planning Area (SPA) level organized outreach activities, developing and maintaining collaborative associations with other agencies that may provide services to veterans experiencing homelessness, and extensive collaboration with VA staff throughout the local VA catchment area.  The Veteran Outreach Manager will also be responsible for designing and distributing marketing materials to promote the veteran services provided at Bell Shelter, most notably our veteran transitional housing programs. The Veteran Outreach Manager is responsible for primary outreach functions to support at least a 95% occupancy level in Bell Shelter’s VA Homeless Provider Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program beds.

Other duties include:

• Develop and maintain active professional relationships with entities in the community that regularly encounter veterans experiencing homelessness, such as VA programs and facilities in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Veterans Service Organizations, hospitals, law enforcement, courts, faith-based and community organizations, credit unions, consumer credit counseling organizations, colleges and universities, community colleges, public health agencies, public social services offices, and elsewhere.
• Assist veterans with documenting basic eligibility for VA programs and/or assisting veterans acquire basic eligibility documents, including 1010E and DD214 forms, as needed.
• Utilize an online database (HMIS) to input client information and demographics in real-time.
• Provide referrals and/or linkages to community services and agencies for individuals encountered who are not eligible for services at Bell Shelter.
• Attend scheduled workshops, training and meetings as required.
• Create and lead presentations using PowerPoint for workshops and information sessions for program prospects, partner agencies, clients, and co-workers.
• Ensure intake processes are completed on the same day as admission. The intake process should be welcoming, including all required screenings and documentation, verify program eligibility requirements, and ensure clients receive the appropriate orientation and information related to their program.

Essential Functions

• Must be willing to travel throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties - this position requires travel to various locations. Mileage will be reimbursed.
• Remain current and consistently comply with the regulations, and policies and procedures of the VA GPD program, The Salvation Army, ethical standards, and other related requirements.
• Coordinate with residential Program Managers and Case Managers to ensure veterans are engaged and referred to appropriate services in a timely manner.
• Potential future responsibilities for supervising subordinate staff.
• Assume other duties as assigned by a supervisor and ensure the success of the program.

Working Conditions

Most of the direct service work is performed in the community (i.e., homeless encampments, shelters, offices of government and non-profit agencies, etc.) and not at Bell Shelter. Thus, the Veterans Outreach Manager must have the ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis, the ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead; ability to operate computer, fax and telephone; and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. The Veterans Outreach Manager will also need to be able to drive to all parts of Los Angeles County to perform essential job functions, and as such will need to have access to a vehicle in good working order.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years’ experience with homeless/social service programs.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification in first 90 days of employment.
• TB-Cleared within 7 days of hire date.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out essential job-related activities.
• Veteran preferred.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Commitment to the holistic mission of The Salvation Army and Bell Shelter.
• Experience working with persons who are homeless and/or disabled.
• If in recovery, at least 1 year of sobriety, with evidence of working a program of personal recovery.
• Commitment to working with disabled veterans.
• Must have appropriate written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others and committed to the vision that Bell Shelter be a program of excellence.
• Strong computer skills, including mastery of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and HMIS.