Veteran Support Specialist

The Veteran Support Specialist reports directly to the Veteran Service Coordinator (VSC) at the designated U.S.VETS site. With supervision, the Veteran Support Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and services to veterans to achieve their highest level of independence and assists in the daily implementation of day-to-day basic residential services.

Responsibilities For Veteran Support Specialists of all U.S.VETS Programs:

Ensures harmonious atmosphere within program by maintaining communication with and being liaison between the clinical staff and program staff and fostering the therapeutic community environment among clients

Establishes rapport and maintains a professional relationship and boundaries with clients and potential clients.

Coordinates individual and group services that help veterans achieve specific life and recovery goals and support success

Responsible for the preventing or de-escalating any problematic behaviors among clients including submitting Incident Reports to the Veteran Service Coordinator or Lead Veterans Service Assistant concerning these events

Assists with maintaining compliance with VA, HUD, and other funder regulations and organization protocols in requesting third party documentation and ensuring all program documentation is collected and maintained

Participates in case conferences, consultations, and staffing with appropriate staff.

Facilitates and/or participates in monthly Town Hall meetings.

Assists Case Managers in maintaining confidential client files in a professional and timely manner ensuring all forms are the most recently revised versions and in compliance with organization standards; all required documents are present, complete, signed by the client and staff as applicable; and documents are placed in the correct order according to organization standards

Maintains confidentiality in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards

Assists in quality management activities, data collection, and preparing reports

Attends scheduled team meetings and trainings

Maintains and submits time sheets, mileage logs, supportive service requests, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely fashion

Responsible for addressing client issues timely to ensure non-interruption of services

With supervision, facilitates support groups and life skills classes and assists with teaching daily living skills on an individual level to those with specific needs

Assists with monitoring program rent/participant fee compliance to assist clients in prioritizing housing

Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs.

Transports clients to community medical, housing, errands, and other appointments and accompanies for support as needed

Coordinates therapeutic, social/recreational activities and outings

Performs other duties as required

High School Diploma required

One year of experience in social services or related field preferred

Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques

Experience working with homeless and/or veterans preferred

Experience facilitating support groups preferred

Strong oral and written communication skills

Professional manner and appearance

Ability to work independently and within a team Ability to take direction

Ability to work effectively with diverse group of clients, staff, and community members

Computer proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet and ability to use client tracking databases and electronic case records

Valid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course