SSVF Rapid Resolution Outreach Specialist – Jacksonville- Changing Homelessness

Description

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Conducts outreach efforts throughout the Continuum of Care entry points to identify prospective clients • Receives walk-in clients to screen for Rapid Resolution or referral to SSVF or other VA programs • Receives referrals from Continuum of Care entry points for clients deemed appropriate for Rapid Resolution • Engages in conflict resolution and problem-solving conversations to divert households from the homelessness system • Secures a minimum of 90-day commitment from the family, friends, and other vendors to maintain or obtain stable housing for veteran households • Generates appropriate referrals to the SSVF program and other community resources • Coordinates emergency services for homeless clients • Maintains outreach and engagement records on all individuals engaged, referred, and screened • Engages with the VA and community partners for effective coordination of services for Veteran households • Interact with clients, colleagues, and community partners in a professional, respectful manner • Assess program qualification criteria of client and aid in referral to outside resources • Assist veterans in the planning of housing attainment and sustainability including housing search, job training, education, budgeting, and money management, increase in household income, and connection to VA and Non-VA benefits • Conduct housing habitability inspections in accordance with SSVF program guidelines and standards • Ensure Rent Reasonableness of housing units located and/or paid for by the SSVF program in accordance with the program guidelines and standards • Complete client household recertification for program eligibility every 90 days • Provide ongoing support, crisis intervention, and follow-up with cases successfully mediated at regular intervals (45 days – 90 days) • Coordinate housing, benefits, medical, legal, substance use, and/or mental health services, as needed • Collaborate consultatively with other staff to ensure appropriate levels of case management/support • Keep client files current in the case file and database, with all documentation and case notes uploaded to HMIS within 24 hours of interaction • Participate in conferences, workshops, special projects, staff meetings, and other duties as assigned • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities • Working knowledge of community resources • Skilled at building trust and rapport with people from diverse backgrounds • Ability to work alone on own initiative, often with minimum supervision, as well as part of a small team • Knowledge of federal, state, and/or community funding sources and mechanisms • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing • A strong public service orientation to work well with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment • Skilled in the use of personal computers, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn and correctly enter data into the Homeless Management Information System • Ability to collaborate with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment • Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change • Ability to maintain the confidentiality of identifying client information • Must be able to comply with complex governmental regulations, policies, and procedures and demonstrate thorough document compliance efforts and activities • Periods of walking, standing, or sitting in an office or field environment for service provision • Limited physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds • Ability to operate a motor vehicle

Education and Experience

• Veterans preferred • 3+ years of relevant work experience is preferred • Educational background can be diverse; however, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred • Knowledgeable of substance use/mental health issues, interventions, and treatment planning • Some knowledge of affordable housing programs such as Section 8 housing, VASH voucher, and Shelter Plus Care programs • Working knowledge of community resources as they relate to homelessness and veterans • Word processing skills required • Commitment to, and demonstrated ability to data input required for recording client interaction – must be tech-savvy • Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff, and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups • Flexible work schedule including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays • Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task • Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results • Must pass a Level II background check • Must pass a federal-level drug screen; possession of a medical marijuana card is currently not acceptable under federal law • Must have a clean 3-year driving history • Must have a valid driver’s license, a registered vehicle without known issues or faults to complete essential job functions, and the required vehicle insurance within 90 days of onboarding • Must be eligible to work within the U.S. and provide supporting documentation

Salary/Salary Range

$35,000 - $40,000

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume to jobs@changinghomelessness.org. Please include the job title in the subject line.