WDVA Program Assistant, Transitional Housing Program, Full-Time - Project, Port Orchard

Description

• This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

As a Program Assistant for the THP in Port Orchard, you will provide administrative and operational support and represent the THP to clients, participants, and other members of the public during non-traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends. You will also assist in case management activities for individuals with chronic mental health and substance use disorders in a residential 24/7 setting.

If you are passionate about out mission of "Serving Those Who Served," we encourage you to bring your experience, attention to detail, and a smile, and apply today!

Duties

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide on-site after-hours support to clients by assisting with client inquiries, questions, and concerns.
• Interact with clients by providing encouragement and support in their treatment and case management plans with an emphasis placed on transitioning to permanent housing, gaining and maintaining employment, and/or seeking public benefits such as Veterans disability payment.
• Explain the THP policies, rules, guidelines, procedures, and protocols to clients which reinforce individual client participation agreements and case management plans.
• Assist clients by coordinating recreational activities and individual client chores around the THP buildings and the Veterans Homes campuses.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations in an institutional setting by exercising tact, initiative, and good judgement; contact external emergency services when needed and communicate with external emergency services personnel regarding medical and/or police emergencies; brief incoming staff of recent events and debriefs Case Managers, program supervisors, and program management.
• Perform security checks around the buildings occupied by the THP and shared ground.
• Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes.
• Perform client room inspections and confiscate contraband items (illicit substances, needles, pipes, knives, etc.) and respond to clients in a mental health and/or substance use disorder-induced crisis.
• Assist with technical and clerical tasks and managing client room assignments.
• And more!

Qualifications

Required:

• A combination of education and professional experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Professional experience must be relevant to the position.
• High school graduation or GED.

• Two (2) years of full-time clerical experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Ability to:
  • Interact with difficult clients who are experiencing homelessness, chronic mental health disorders, and substance use disorders (includes responding verbally to their inquiries, listening to clients' concerns/questions, remaining calm when dealing with upset or angry clients, and exercising sound judgment.
  • Maintain confidentiality in dealing with sensitive issues and clients.
  • Problem-solve and provide viable options to meet client needs within program rules and guidelines.
• Basic skill level and experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and web-based applications.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.

• Experience providing services to homeless individuals.
• A general understanding of the social services and healthcare programs available to Veterans.
• Ability to:
  • Work independently, yet collaboratively while considering the needs and styles of others.
  • Convey clear, timely, and persuasive messages that positively influences the thoughts and actions of others.
  • Actively participate and support efforts to accomplish the organizational mission and goals.
  • Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.
  • Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with services offered.
  • Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• In an emergency situation, employees may be asked to stay for an extended period of time and perform duties appropriate to the situation.
• Become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance and follow proper call-in procedures.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated time frame, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Supplemental Information

Application Process:

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

• This position is non-represented.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.