Veteran Advocate - Temporary

Position Summary:

• Person in this position will be primarily responsible for a managing a caseload of Veterans who are homeless. This person is responsible for case management activities including linking veterans with services inside the Veterans Administration and in the community, case record management, and facilitating educational groups. Person may be called upon to conduct screenings, complete intake assessments, monitor program process and intervene as necessary. Essential job functions include those listed below and other duties may be assigned as needed..

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as an active part of the San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) case management team and carry out all required responsibilities as needed.
• Support an active caseload of homeless veterans and/or veterans that are currently in danger of becoming homeless
• Create individual plans, monitor and update plan weekly, and have exit plans.
• Participate in case staffing decisions regarding current strengths and resources and the need for additional resources.
• Conduct assessments and coordinate referrals and placements of eligible veterans to appropriate programs and facilities.
• Educate and refer individuals to community agencies and businesses that appropriately address needs for food, clothing, employment, transportation, etc.
• Assist veterans with establishing or re-establishing support systems within their community.
• Participate in outreach efforts, including street outreach.
• Act as advocate on behalf of the veterans to improve access to needed community services.
• Practice, conduct curriculum including, Life Skills groups, money management, parenting classes and communication improvement classes.
• Coordinate and partner with community resources to promote the well being of the veterans (i.e. WestCare, Fresno County, VA, Vet Center, FMCoC) Develop and maintain working knowledge of available community resources and act as liaison.
• Administer urine testing for drug/alcohol levels, as necessary.
• Complete documentation of services on provided forms in a timely manner.
• Conduct outreach activities in the community, including street outreach
• Assist other WestCare staff as needed in a collaborative manner to promote cooperation and portray a professional image to the community. Promote "SJVV" into the veteran community through various resources such as public speaking, websites, articles, emails, and personal networking
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.

Essential Qualifications:

• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a manner that is pleasant and professional.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• One (1) year experience in case management.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to operate and document in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook program formats.
• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to complete work tasks within scheduled work hours.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the underserved populations
• Veteran and/or military experience preferred
• Willing to seek out new work projects and contribute ideas and efforts to the constant improvement of WestCare services.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an Annual Tuberculosis testAs mandated by the State of California those employees who work at Residential, Outpatient, Sober Living, provide Mental Health Services, or Transitional Living Facilities must be fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021. Employees that have requested
• Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

Certifications/Licenses:

Education:

• AA Degree is required; and
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field is preferred.