Veterans Advocate

WESTCARE CALIFORNIA INC; United States; On-site; USD 1,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Journey Veteran Advocate to support low-income veterans in achieving housing stability. This role involves managing a caseload, conducting assessments, and coordinating community resources to ensure veterans receive the services they need. You will play a vital role in advocating for veterans, helping them navigate challenges, and promoting their well-being through outreach and support. If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans and possess strong case management skills, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a mission-driven organization where your efforts will have a lasting impact on the community.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in case management is required.
• Strong communication skills are essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of low-income veterans, linking them to essential services.
• Conduct assessments and coordinate referrals to appropriate programs.

Skills

Case Management

Crisis Response

Team Collaboration

Communication Skills

Judgment and Discretion

Empathy

Flexibility

Working with Underserved Populations

Education

AA Degree

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology/Social Work/Rehabilitation Counseling

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Details Job Location: Stockton, CA Position Type: Full Time Education Level: High School Salary Range: $24.00 - $24.00 Hourly Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

The 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, focusing 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 utilizing 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 plans 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 an advocate on behalf of the veterans to improve access to needed community services.
• Demonstrate empathy and flexibility in responding to participants' needs and requests.
• Coordinate case conferences with residents, consult with the service team, monitor progress of clients on the case plan, and assist clients to meet the agreed-upon goals.
• Practice and 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) and develop and maintain working knowledge of available community resources and act as a liaison.
• Assist participants in locating or maintaining permanent housing.
• Complete home visits and housing inspections as needed. Maintain 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.
• Receive referrals from community partner case managers, outreach workers, and concerned family and friends.
• Coordinate various services throughout several agencies.
• Establish and maintain 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, and work rehabilitation programs.
• 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 pleasant and professional manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• One (1) year of 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 efficiently to crisis situations.
• Ability to complete work tasks within scheduled work hours.
• Demonstrated ability to work with underserved populations.
• Veteran and/or military experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a 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.).
• Willingness 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 outdoor outreach.
• Some travel is required; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.