Position Title: Massachusetts Veteran Connect, Merrimack Valley Coordinator

Department: Human Services

Supervisor: Director, Massachusetts Veteran Connect

Exemption: Non-Exempt

*Located in Haverhill, MA*

Job Summary:

The Massachusetts Veteran Connect Program (MVC) is funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services to provide outreach, case management, homelessness prevention and stabilization services and financial assistance to underserved Veterans across Eastern Massachusetts. This program targets Veterans impacted by poverty, racial inequities, domestic violence, behavioral health diagnosis, acute medical conditions and/or other disabilities that are barriers to self-sufficiency. Additionally, this program aims to identify and connect with Veterans who may not be eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs funded programming to fill a gap in Massachusetts Veterans Services by providing a parity of services for all Veterans who may be at risk or currently experiencing homelessness. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Director of MVC on the design, coordination, and implementation of specific MVC services for Veterans residing in the Merrimack Valley.
• Maintain a caseload of up to 25 Veterans and provide home visits. Ensure Veterans are swiftly and proactively connected with the services, benefits and care that will best meet their needs and goals. Provide appointment accompaniment as needed.
• Use a variety of innovative and evidence-based strategies such Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and Progressive Engagement Strategies to identify, outreach to and engage with underserved Veterans.
• Work closely with the NECHV Human Services Team, Veterans Service Officers and other local community stakeholders to promote the program and establish program referrals.
• Regularly coordinate case conferences with NECHV Merrimack Valley Programs – Housing Stabilization, Transition-In-Place, and Food Pantry  to proactively identify Veterans’ resource needs.
• Maintain close partnerships with institutional and community-based resources in Merrimack Valley to deepen service connection between NECHV Merrimack Valley and surrounding communities.
• Review and audit program documentation, including service notes, Integrated Service Plans, Income Documentation, and HUD Assessments, to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program model and deadlines.
• Ensure Veterans are quickly linked to financial assistance, housing path and/or other resources that will help resolve and/or prevent their housing crisis.
• Provide direct housing search services to Veterans who may be experiencing or at-risk for homelessness and are not eligible for other housing support and search services.
• Assure high quality completion of documentation, including intakes, screening, assessments and case notes in an electronic database by the deadline. 
• Assist Director of MVC with implementing current policies, procedures, and forms that facilitate effective operation of the MVC Program.
• Deliver the highest customer service experience to all internal and external customers.
• Attending department meetings, training, case conference and weekly team meetings.
• Take initiative to perform other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Program management and implementation experience preferred.
• Three years’ experience with Veteran population, mental health and substance use disorders, subsidized housing and/or homelessness.
• Previous experience and familiarity with procedures and policies of social benefits program (Veteran and non-Veteran specific) including Housing Authorities, Social Security, VA Disability Compensation, etc.
• Experience with case management, navigating community-based resources and subsidized housing placements.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Cultural Competency, Housing First and Trauma Informed Care.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate professionally with Veterans, team members and partners.
• Proficiency with electronic databases and computers.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Flexible self-starter with strong analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of military culture.

Essential Functions:

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.
• Ability to travel throughout Essex and Middle Counties of Massachusetts.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and databases
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with complex, homeless and at risk Veteran population.
• Maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.