Impactful Veteran Justice & Family Support Specialist

Title and Position

Title: Virginia Veteran & Family Support Veteran Justice Specialist

State Role

Title:

Prog Admin Specialist I

Hiring Range: $52,000-$57,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Veterans Services

Location: VA Beach-Pembroke

The Virginia Department of Veteran Services (DVS) seeks a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as a Veteran Justice Specialist (VJS) in the VA Veterans & Family Support (VVFS) department. The VJS identifies the behavioral health, rehabilitative, and other service needs of service members, veterans, and/or their dependents/family members (SMVF), including veterans in the criminal justice system, and develops a coordinated services plan.

The VJS connects individuals with appropriate service providers, offers case management support and assistance, and monitors successful resolution of identified needs. The VJS ensures timely needs assessment, treatment, and support for justice‑involved veterans (JIVs) throughout multiple phases of the criminal justice system, providing outreach and supportive services in diversion courts, jails, correctional facilities, and under probation and parole supervision within the service area.

The VJS reports to the applicable VVFS Regional Director under the guidance of the VVFS Housing and Criminal Justice Director.

• Identify behavioral health, rehabilitative, and other service needs of SMVF and JIVs.
• Develop coordinated services plans and connect individuals with appropriate service providers.
• Provide case management support, assistance, and monitoring to ensure resolution of identified needs.
• Conduct needs assessments, service planning, and provide ongoing monitoring and support to JIVs in diversion courts, jails, correctional facilities, probation, and parole settings.
• Report to the VVFS Regional Director and follow VVFS SOP and Justice Involved Services (JIS) policy.

• Knowledge and familiarity with the military services, culture and/or military experience.
• Knowledge and experience in the human services and/or behavioral healthcare field.
• Experience in behavioral health and supportive services for veterans, service members, dependents and caregivers.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and diversion strategies as they pertain to justice‑involved individuals.
• Knowledge of re‑entry barriers and initiatives for justice‑involved individuals.
• Knowledge of risks and needs of JIVs.
• Knowledge of human rights, ethical and legal concerns related to providing case management services.
• Knowledge of suicide interventions and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and delivery of subject matter training.
• Ability to engage SMVF population, develop professional relationships with a wide variety of agencies, and advocate for individuals receiving services.
• Excellent client service, computer, organization and record‑keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, and to work in a team model while maintaining effective inter/intra‑agency relationships.

• Work experience in human services and/or behavioral healthcare field required; related education or training may substitute.
• Experience in social work, psychology, human services, education, or an approved field preferred.
• Criminal justice‑related work experience preferred.
• Military/veteran/family related life/work experience preferred; military experience preferred (includes family members).
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• Must complete all DVS agency and VVFS program training requirements within 6 months of hire.

VDVS accepts submissions of online applications only. It is the policy of VDVS to provide equal opportunity for all applications and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, gender identity or expression, disability, veterans’ status or political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified person with disabilities. Commonwealth of Virginia state agencies shall provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where…