11-150 - Veteran Engagement Case Manager (VECM) - SC/CIS Santa Barbara

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Veteran Engagement Case Manager (VECM) in the Community Integrated Services (CIS) for the SSVF Program works as part of a multi-disciplinary team serving clients in the community. The VSW will provide transitional support and case management services to participants enrolled in the SSVF Program.

Essential Functions

• Conduct street outreach and participate Collaborative Outreach with other homeless providers to designated "Hot Spots"
• Primarily coordinate extensive outreach in Service Planning Area 2 (SFV), 5 (West LA), 6 (South LA) and 7 (Cerritos, Bellflower). Outreach will also be required to provide Outreach assistance outside the coverage areas for Outreach events (e.g., VA Stand down, LA Collaborative Outreach, Community Outreach, Veteran's events)
• Must be able to travel across Los Angeles County
• Attend Collaborative Homeless Case Conference meetings, Program Meetings, CES Meetings, and "By Name List" based on the designated sites (SPA 2, 5, 6, 7).
• Conduct screening tools to assess and identify housing barriers and services required (VI-SPDAT).
• Conduct pre-screening to determine SSVF Eligibility
• Conduct intake needs assessments for program participants and develop clearly written individualized service plans.
• Conduct research, outreach, and build relations with landlords to build a pool of landlords and property management companies willing to rent to program participants.
• Help program participants identify potential neighborhoods where they wish to live, conduct housing searches in said areas and negotiate with potential landlords on behalf of the participants.
• Establish and maintain relationships with landlords, property management companies.
• Assist in the processing and submission of applications for housing (subsidized and unsubsidized).
• Conduct inspections of potential permanent housing units where program participants will reside.
• Provide tenant education: tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination and communication with landlords.
• Maintain a regular and open line of communication with landlords in-order to assess the landlords' satisfaction with the programs and address any questions or concerns that landlords may have.
• Provide case management services which include but are not limited to the following activities: Budget plan, Housing Plan, providing appropriate resources, tools, and counseling to assist participants in achieving their case plan goals; making referrals for services and following up to ensure that the referrals were completed; and tracking and documenting participant progress.
• Work collaboratively with housing relocation specialist to assist participants as needed while they prepare to move into permanent housing. Such assistance may include accessing move-in assistance, coordinating donated furnishings and other basic household items.
• Work collaboratively with vocational specialist to assist participants in accessing employment and training opportunities.
• Conduct internal referrals to the SSVF Shallow Subsidy and Homeless Veteran Re-entry Program (HVRP) to maximize Housing sustainability
• Deliver home-based case management services to participants once they move into permanent housing.
• Conduct home visits to all veterans who are due for a 90-day program recertification. Evaluate current services and identify and refer the veteran to NEW services (i.e., Hoarding Therapy, Home nurse) if found that such services are needed.
• Document and maintain up-to-date information on services provided to clients in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Participate in Bi-weekly case management meetings and attend staff trainings as required.
• Prepare and submit case and program reports as needed.
• May transport/accompany clients to appointments and self-help activities as needed
• Provides crisis intervention as needed
• Attend regular staff meetings and trainings as assigned by the Program Manager
• Rotates with the multi-disciplinary team for on-call duties
• Responsible to maintain all vehicles assigned to the SSVF program by conducting weekly engine runs.
• Responsible to maintain all vehicles assigned to the SSVF program by driving the vehicle for no less than 2 miles on a weekly basis.
• Respond to complaints from landlords & participants related to housing conditions & provide mediation as needed.
• Report to the SSVF Program Manager when Maintenance to the vehicle is required.
• Coordinate all maintenance issues with the local mechanic establishment (e.g., oil change, battery, tire, check engine light)
• Adopts an "Above and Beyond" approach in assisting clients to retain housing and independent living

Working Conditions

Most of the direct service work is performed in the community (e.g., clients' homes) and at the assigned site. Thus, the VECM must have the ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis, the ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead; ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone; and the ability to lift to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field or equivalent job experience working in homeless, mental health or social services.
• Excellent communication skills
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification in first 90 days of employment
• A valid California Class C Driver License is required. License is required withing 90 days of hire for Out of State license.
• Must have a reliable, registered and insured vehicle.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Commitment to the holistic mission of The Salvation Army
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel) and Adobe.
• Able to represent the Salvation Army to community organizations
• Commitment to working with disabled veterans
• Veteran status a plus
• Ability to work well with others and committed to the vision that Community Integrated Services be a program of excellence
• Ability to build a NETWORK of community providers that can help with the transition of homelessness to