SSVF Financial Literacy Coordinator-Region 2

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: SSVF Financial Literacy Coordinator - Region 2

LOCATION/DEPT: The Salvation Army Veterans Services/Social Services Dept.

REPORTS to (TITLE): SSVF Financial Literacy Supervisor

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

OUTCOMES:

NCI SSVF Financial Literacy Coordinator is a member of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Team. The goal of the SSVF Financial Literacy Coordinator is to support Veterans through the improvement of financial literacy leading to increased willingness to work and/or apply for benefits - Veteran's benefits, SSI/SSDI/SS, ACA enrollment and public assistance programs and services. The SSVF Financial Literacy Coordinator meets Veterans in their natural setting or remotely and provides support and education during appointments and benefits appeals processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Case Management (70%)

• Completes SSDI/SSI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) training and obtains certification within 45 days of hire and maintains knowledge of best practices.
• Provides financial literacy services including education on budgeting, benefit planning, establishing savings to serve as a key bridge for members who may be reluctant to pursue employment or apply for entitlements, benefits, etc.
• Completes budget worksheet, budget reviews or financial assessments with Veterans enrolled in SSVF, and ensures documentation is in the Veteran's electronic file. Consults with Veterans case management team to ensure the financial plan is included in the Veteran's Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Utilizes coaching, motivational interviewing and harm reduction strategies to support movement to financial accountability and sustainability.
• Conducts ongoing workshops, one-on-one coaching and staff training with the overarching goal of improving member financial literacy (budgeting, benefit planning, establishing savings, etc.). Coordinates at least one financial literacy workshop quarterly for Veterans enrolled in the SSVF program and explores partnerships with local banks to co-present.
• For SOAR cases: Serves as the Appointed Representative throughout the application process. Collects all medical records for treatment received in previous years. Writes a comprehensive Medical Summary Report that highlights the applicant's function impairment throughout the document of his or her personal, medical and work history. Completes applications per SOAR process and enters into SOAR system to track applications. Tracks applications and outcomes including approvals/denials and length of time to decision from application submission to receipt of SSA's decision. Will work with the SSVF Legal Services Coordinator on the SOAR appeals process.
• Supports and promotes participant self-advocacy and participation in decision-making, treatment and treatment planning.
• Provides assistance to participants in obtaining and coordinating other public benefits.
• Serves as a resource for income education and support tailored to the needs and desires of the Veteran.
• Provides employment education services, materials, and referrals to Veteran and their family, based on individual needs.
• Assist participant in obtaining all VA benefits for which they are eligible including income assistance, vocational and rehabilitation counseling, employment and training services, educational assistance, and health care services.
• Utilizes SIMS for data collection/case record in a timely and accurate manner.
• Conduct home visits, when appropriate.
• Monitor progress of participants and maintain accurate documentation of progress toward goals and services provided.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices. (required)
• Maintain compliance in The Salvation Army's "Safe from Harm" Certification. (required)
• Complies with all applicable training requirements, company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned as related to the SSVF program.

Administrative (20%)

• Provides data to maintain an up-to-date Master List of clients receiving Financial Literacy services.
• Performs HMIS (SIMS) data entry, reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and comprehensiveness.
• Assists in generation progress reports on outcomes and activities for Staff Meetings
• Completes reports for timely submission as required by the VA.
• Maintains up to data and accurate record of all SSVF Financial Literacy activities.
• Comply with all policies and procedures of the program and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Collaboration (10%)

• Creates connection and coordinates referrals with the American Job Centers and career centers.
• Works in partnership with other SSVF Case Managers, Intake Specialists and Outreach Workers; and participates in regular case consultation.
• Participates in outreach events and activities when appropriate.
• Establishes linkages with appropriate agencies and service providers in the area/community.
• If employment is a housing stability goal, coordinate employment attainment, through job-searching, resume-building, mock-interviewing, and dress-for-success strategies.

OCCASIONAL OVERNIGHT AND WEEKEND TRAVEL

Involves occasional driving to offsite meetings/trainings and conducting occasional in-person meetings with program participants.

• Occasionally work weekends to accommodate event schedules, or other organizational needs. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet deadlines and ensure successful event execution.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and auto insurance.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possesses a minimum of a bachelor's degree in related field or experience with direct service to marginalized populations. Comparable 1-2 years' experience in claims/benefits processing.
• Advanced degree in social work, counseling or human services is ideal.
• Previous experience with social services and/or homeless programs.
• Experience working with Veterans and families.
• Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.
• Veteran status preferred.

COMPENTENCIES

• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Able to work with individuals of diverse legal backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Demonstrates ability to use computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office software and HMIS system.
• Must maintain and execute confidential information.
• Knowledge of services, policies, and procedures related to Salvation Army processes.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• An attention to detail.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimum supervision.
• An ability to work with confidential material.
• A decision-making approach that uses good judgment.

POSITION LIMITATIONS (What this position must do)

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Legal Services Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• This individual must receive successful completion of background screening as well as employment eligibility verification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 40 lbs.
• The work environment for this position normally includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• Must be able to travel to multiple sites.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.