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Veterans Support Specialist- Colorado Springs

Job Details

Colorado Springs Office - Colorado Springs, CO
Full Time
$21.15 - $22.11 Hourly

Description

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

This position is responsible for coordinating supportive progressive case management services to vulnerable Veterans and their households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  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 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.  Note: Our grant requires direct in-person care for intakes and housing plans, recertifications, and supporting veterans at various community appointments, as well as home visitation.  As needed office presence required.  

  • Provide best practice, Housing First, Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention services to assist in quickly preventing or resolving housing crises.  A Housing First approach assumes that people should start with safe, stable permanent housing. They may then address other life issues for maintaining safe, stable permanent housing.
  • Provide progressive case management services to the Veteran client (and his or her household members), which includes an individualized, client-centered full assessment, development of a Housing Stabilization Plan and budget to assist the Veteran in obtaining and/or maintaining safe, stable permanent housing.  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 twice-monthly basis to determine the client’s progress on accessing housing and other resources. 
  • 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 permanent housing, mainstream, Veteran-serving, and community-based resources, including income supports.
  • Assess need for financial assistance in accordance with the SSVF Program Guide, to obtain/maintain permanent housing per the housing stability plan.
  • 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 bi-weekly in office VSS of the Day work to conduct intake screenings and application process with vulnerable Veterans seeking services. Provide in depth referrals, warm transfer preferred, to callers, referral sources, and potential participants.
  • 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.
  • Participate in program review of consumer and community resource feedback. Assist Veterans in signing up for on-line satisfaction survey.

Qualifications

  • 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 driver's 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.

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