Veterans Support Specialist - Pueblo

Why work at Rocky Mountain Human Services?

You will have the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is dedicated to embracing the power of community to support individuals and families in creating their future.

RMHS provides great benefits such as:

• Employer paid medical options, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous paid time off such as vacation, sick, personal, and holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement (full-time employees only)
• Mileage reimbursement
• 403(B) with company match
• Employee assistance program

Position Purpose

The Veteran Support Specialist provides rental assistance to very low-income and extremely low-income Veteran households enrolled in SSVF’s Rapid Rehousing or Homeless Prevention services who need longer-term financial assistance to maintain safe, stable housing. The Veteran Support Specialist provides cost-shared rental assistance directly to the landlord for up to two years to very low-income and extremely low-income eligible Veteran households while offering limited progressive case management services; which may need to be increased if a crisis or unanticipated service need arises to participants to assist Veteran households in maintaining their housing stability. The Veteran Support Specialist (VSS) will provide respectful, individualized and effective trauma-informed case management services to ensure Veteran clients receive the case management assistance needed to promote long-term housing stability. The Veteran Support Specialist will function as a member of a team of case managers and other specialists who are working to provide supportive services to Veterans while meeting program requirements under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The Veteran Support Specialist will develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners and housing providers through networking and outreach activities. As a case manager, the Veteran Support Specialist is responsible for detailed documentation of client case files that meet VA and Rocky Mountain Human Resources standards. This position may require occasional travel throughout Colorado.

Essential Duties

• Provide progressive case management services to the Veteran client (and his or her household members). This process may include office meetings, home visits, and client transportation to assist in accessing housing opportunities and community services available to them (driving a company vehicle).
• Maintain regular contact with clients on a minimum of a once-monthly basis to determine the client’s progress on rental payment independence.
• Maintain accurate, detailed documentation of client case files. Input required data into agency-based data system, Caselogic, and the VA required Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Meet program requirements for documentation milestones.
• Document progress, linkages and referrals to community-based resources, including income supports.
• Develop a Housing Stabilization Plan. Ask the client to identify their goals and needs and what services they believe would help meet those needs. In the event the client is unsure of what services may be beneficial, suggest various services or programs for the client. When a choice of service providers is available, assist the client in choosing among the various service providers available, taking into consideration any preferences the client may have concerning his/her service provider. (Factors such as gender, age, culture, language, location and hours of availability will be considered as part of the selection process).
• Collaborate with Veterans on discharge planning to maintain permanent housing
• Develop and maintain detailed working knowledge of governmental and community programs and services that will provide support to Veteran clients and enhance their housing stability. This may include research of other available funding sources as needed.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of program guidelines for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. Ensure program guidelines are met when providing services to Veteran clients.
• Conduct problem solving conversations with Veteran households to identify naturally occurring resources, existing support networks, and alternative housing options to quickly resolve Veteran homelessness through advanced engagement and rapport building with Veteran households.
• Ensure client confidentiality is maintained in accordance with established procedures and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Case Management Practice Skills & Competencies: assessment, planning, and interventions including those with high needs, barriers, and disabling conditions.
• Customer Service Skills & Competencies: Ability to build trust using listening skills, conflict resolution, and mediation, and going above and beyond to be helpful and pleasant.
• Excellent organizational, communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team and community environment to contribute to HAV team success.
• Compliance with ethical and confidentiality standards.
• Experience with motivational interviewing, person-centered and solution-focused interventions and mediation preferred.
• Cultural Competency Skills & Competencies: Adaptable in culturally diverse environments, respect for cultural differences, and comfort level working with “military” and “veteran” cultures.
• Knowledge and skills in intermediate computer functions and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assesses veteran needs and eligibility for services.
• Works with veterans, families and appropriate community agencies to coordinate and facilitate services.
• Ability to meet/work with veterans in a variety of settings.
• Attends staff, team, and department meetings.
• Participates in agency and community planning and education.
• Develops and maintains client case records, plans and reports.
• Ability to drive personal or company vehicle
• Lift and/or carry 20 lbs.
• Sit, stand and walk for reasonable periods of time.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in social work, social sciences, or related field, and/or 1-2 years of prior experience working with homeless individuals and/or households or prior experience working with military and/or Veteran populations.
• Prior Case Management experience
• Ability to work independently while meeting work expectations and program standards
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, social sciences, human services or related field
• Prior experience working with homeless populations
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Experience working with military and/or Veteran populations
• Prior military experience

Driving Requirements

• Valid drivers license
• Proof of motor vehicle insurance
• Personal vehicle in good operating condition for use during work
• No major violations in the past three years.
• No more than two moving violations in the past three years
• Ability to meet and maintain agency driving requirements and operate agency vehicles

Rocky Mountain Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to racial, ethnic and cultural diversity and the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.