Job Title: Community Engagement Housing Specialist

Group: Programs

Department: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Region: NC

Location: Durham, NC

Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Full Time

Reports to: Team Lead or Assistant Director

Supervises: N/A

Travel Requirement: Telework Capacity and travel in the areas of MD, VA, DC and the Carolinas as needed.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas empowers self-reliance and inspires hope. As a church without walls, we do this through personalized housing, ministry, health, and human services that benefit vulnerable individuals, their families and the community. Founded in 1896 in Baltimore, MD by social reformers, Ballington and Maud Booth, we were one of the first of over 30 affiliates of Volunteers of America one of the nations largest and most comprehensive human services organizations.

Our founders envisioned a movement dedicated to reaching and uplifting the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand. Their declaration continues to guide Volunteers of America's impact on Helping Americas most vulnerable.

Through a dedicated and committed team of more than 850 employees and thousands of volunteers, we provide critical care, support services and hope to thousands of people each year throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. We firmly believe our employees drive the success of the organization. 

JOB SUMMARY

Outreach duties promotes programs and resources to homeless individuals in the community and performs a variety of services to encourage homeless individuals to participate in the SSVF program that enable them to obtain housing and or remain housed and stable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outreach support for SSVF Program and case management teams and act as an additional resource for Case Managers
• Coordinate client outreach and landlord recruitment efforts for SSVF Program
• Outreach Workers spend most of their time communicating, so communication skills are a must
• Develops inter-agency relationships to enhance the referral processes
• Serve as liaison with local landlords, community organizations and other potential agency resources
• Coordinate and maintain good landlord/tenant relations
• Facilitate and/or conduct outreach activities including presentations to service providers and potential landlords, community fairs, one on one engagement, and education on available housing resources
• Attends and participates in public meetings and presentations to explain the SSVF program
• Facilitates and encourages the exchange of information with local, county, and regional agencies
• Facilitates the coordination of services with community partners, as assigned
• Maintains and updates knowledge through conferences, seminars and in-service trainings as determined in consultation with SSVF leadership
• Coordinate outreach efforts for the SSVF Program including but not limited to: establish an outreach plan to target the participants as outlined in the SSVF program guidelines, develop a set schedule to visit the VA, shelters, and other places that homeless and low-income families (Veterans) are likely to congregate, and develop communication/ updates with the VA and other key housing and community providers
• Work with persons served, family members, collaborating housing agencies and professionals to establish SSVF services and additional resources
• Travel to housing sites to engage landlords and property managers, etc via recruitment efforts, distributing brochures, flyers, and other program marketing items
• Communicate effectively (under confidentiality rules) with clients service team with services or supports regarding SSVF program services and housing
• Ensure participant category reassessments are completed according to specific SSVF requirements
• Participate in program and professional supervision, attend required staff
• Team meetings and trainings, and contribute to team-based collaborative planning
• Complete all appropriate reporting for SSVF goals and targeting
• Complete other duties as needed and requested

HOUSING SPECIALIST ROLE

Assist low-income Veteran households with identifying and obtaining or retaining safe, stable and affordable permanent housing. Outreach to rental-property owners and other resources in the community. Establish a pool of rental properties in our service areas to then rapidly rehouse homeless Veterans as well as their families. Work with landlords to negotiate rent or move-in deposits on behalf of the Veteran household.

EFFECT ON END RESULT:

• Establish positive community and landlord relationships that will foster successful placements and housing stability in the SSVF program.
• Provide engagement efforts that will meet targeted goals for the program and community recognition and growth of the organization.
• Operational efficiency, service delivery and financial performance will be improved.

REQUIREMENTS

• A High School Diploma or GED with previous work experience is required.
• A minimum of 2 years experience working with homeless individuals and families including veterans is preferred.
• Veteran or member of a veteran family is a plus.

OTHER:

• This position requires driving your personal vehicle for company business. Must be privileged to drive according to the criteria set forth by Agency MVR guidelines.
  • Valid drivers license in jurisdiction of residence
  • Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle)
  • May be required to drive a van
• Acceptable Criminal background check, OIG Exclusion check
• Negative Drug Screening
• CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be organized, professional, and able to work independently as well as possess problem solving and active listening skills
• Nonjudgmental attitude towards people who are homeless or at risk, alcohol or other drugs and/or struggle with mental health problems and or other disabilities
• Verbal, written, and reading fluency in English
• IT/technology skills with ability to learn new program processes and maintain functional Outlook Calendar, mobile phone, email, etc.
• Computing skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office and the use of the internet
• Ability to work well within a team
• Willingness to be flexible and assist with various tasks as assigned
• Familiarity with the community and resources in those communities that are assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.
• The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.
• Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
• The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.