Veteran Specialist

Caritas of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Monthly phone stipend

Discounted memberships

Parking for downtown location

Job summary

Caritas of Austin is seeking a Veteran Specialist to provide eligibility screening and case management for veterans and families in the SSVF program. You will identify at-risk veterans, develop Housing Stabilization Plans, and work toward permanent affordable housing while keeping detailed HMIS records.

The role requires at least a year of direct case management experience, a Bachelor’s degree (social work preferred), and a willingness to drive and engage with community partners in the Austin

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; social work or related human services field preferred.
• Minimum one year of direct case management experience in social services; veterans experience preferred.
• Experience with veterans or homeless populations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness and conduct comprehensive SSVF intake.
• Provide case management focusing on housing stabilization, income and self-care goals.
• Maintain timely records, HMIS data entry, and required reports.
• Develop relationships with community partners and landlords; assist with referrals.
• Collaborate with program managers and other Caritas staff to link clients to services.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

HMIS

Job description

Job Title: Veteran Specialist

• Department: Client Services
• Program: SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)
• Reports To: SSVF Program Manager
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all of the following:

• A detailed resume outlining relevant experience
• A cover letter tailored to the position
• A list of professional references
• A fully completed application

Position Summary

A full-time position providing eligibility screening and case management services to very low-income veterans/veteran families in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. The Veteran Specialist will identify and engage with current and previously homeless individuals and families to assist them in obtaining and retaining permanent affordable housing. The position is responsible for maintaining timely and accurate financial assistance records, case notes and evaluation and reporting requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive)

Client Services

• Identify veterans/veteran families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
• Conduct comprehensive SSVF intake to include assessment of strengths and challenges.
• Assist veterans in development of Housing Stabilization Plan focusing on housing, income, and self-care goals. Conduct home visits.
• Ongoing monitoring of the Housing Stabilization Plan as a tool to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Provide comprehensive case management services to veterans/veteran families.
• Provide appropriate referrals and linkages to community partnerships and resources.
• Screen all SSVF eligible participants to determine if they are currently enrolled for health care and other supportive services provided by the VA.
• Maintain a caseload of 17+ households.

Targeted Community Outreach and Engagement

• Assist the SSVF Program Manager with developing and maintaining relationships with groups and organizations which serve veterans.
• A minimum of 10% of the Veteran Specialist’s time will be spent on outreach efforts to the most vulnerable veterans.
• Collaborate with the SSVF Community Housing Specialist in maintaining effective communication with property managers/landlords.

Collaboration

• Establish a cooperative working relationship with community partners serving veterans.
• Work with the Caritas SSVF Program Manager to identify and document best practice processes and procedures.
• As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas Employment Specialists to link clients to employment.
• Develop professional relationships with external job sources / employers to encourage hiring.
• As appropriate, work collaboratively with Caritas Education Specialists to link clients to Education.
• Attend program collaboration meetings and training sessions as requested by the Program Manager.

Client Data and Record Keeping

• Manage case data by entering client data in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in a timely manner.
• Regularly prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

Organizational Support Functions

• Work cooperatively with all components of Caritas services.
• Engage in appropriate teamwork functions in order to provide a professional work environment and effective service-delivery.
• Attend Caritas staff meetings, Housing Services Department meetings and other meetings and training sessions as required.

Qualifications:

Education

• Required – Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university; a degree in social work or a related degree in the area of human services is preferred.
• Preferred – Master’s degree in social work or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Required – Minimum of one year of experience directly providing case management to clients in a social services setting.
• Preferred – Experience working with veterans/veteran families or homeless populations.

Computer Skills

• Experience working with various software programs: word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Other Requirement(s)

• Valid Texas Driver License within 30 days of employment.
• Must be able and willing to provide client transportation in support of program operations.

Salary/Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $46,491-$52,885, with final offer based on education and experience
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• Time Off: 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure) and 14 paid holidays.
• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Additional Perks: Mileage reimbursement, monthly phone stipend, discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield), and parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Caritas of Austin is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Learn more: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.