Veterans Advocate

Person in this position will be primarily responsible for managing a caseload of low-income veteran participants. This person is responsible for case management activities including linking veterans with services inside the Veterans Administration and in the community, with the focus on the Housing First model and philosophy. The Journey Veteran Advocate will assist Veteran Households in quickly maintaining or obtaining permanent housing, with a goal of achieving housing stability, always utilize best practices and participant-centeredness. 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.
• Demonstrate empathy and flexibility in responding to participants' needs and requests.
• Coordinates case conferences with residents, consults with service team, monitors progress of clients on case plan, assists clients to meet the agreed upon goals.
• 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.
• Assist participants in locating or maintaining permanent housing.
• Completion of home visits and housing inspections as needed. Maintains contact with landlords to provide ongoing support.
• Complete documentation of services on appropriate, county specific forms per policy and procedure guidelines.
• Maintain client files according to company policy and contract requirements.
• Will receive referrals from community partner case managers, outreach workers, and concerned family and friends.
• Coordination of various services throughout several agencies.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with employers, industry organizations, and public agencies to source job openings and secure employment and vocational training opportunities for clients.
• Work with Educator to refer clients to specialized services, such as, job seeking skills training, job placement, vocational schools, welfare-to-work services, Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program, work rehabilitation programs, etc.
• 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
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Valid drivers license and ability to operate motor vehicle.
• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment, and education verifications.
• Must have own transportation to carry out job duties and responsibilities. The vehicle must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.).
• Willing to seek out new work projects and contribute ideas and efforts to the constant improvement of WestCare services.

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.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, as well as outdoors outreach.
• Some travel is required; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.