What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veteran Services Navigator position at Veterans Community Project?
VCP PROVIDES EXCELLENT BENEFITS!!
- Employees pay $0 out-of-pocket towards health, vision and dental premiums
- VCP offers a 401k plan at a 4% match after 6 months of employment
- Employees receive 30 days of paid time off in addition to major holidays
Veterans Community Project (VCP) Overview
Founded in 2016 in Kansas City, MO, VCP is dedicated to supporting every man and woman who took the oath to defend our nation. The greatest barrier to ending Veteran homelessness is the revolving door of unstable housing and the frustrating maze Veterans must navigate in order to get basic support. We believe that to be an effective program, the first step is to connect Veterans and the community. VCP created an innovative homeless housing program and outreach assistance that provides inclusive services to aid Veterans in re-claiming control over their lives. For more information, visit www.vcp.org.
The Team
We, the team members and co-founders of VCP, are connectors, feelers, and doers on a mission to help our kin, our kind. We move with swift, bold action, driven by our mission. We believe in collaboration, community, compassion, and above all, serving Veterans with dignity and respect.
The Role
The Veteran Services Navigator plays a critical role in helping Veterans access services and resources to support their well being and stability. This position is responsible for guiding Veterans through the process of obtaining housing, healthcare, employment, and other essential services, acting as a liaison between Veterans and the community. The Navigator will work closely with both internal teams and external service providers to ensure Veterans receive the support they need in a respectful and efficient manner.
Key Responsibilities:
Veteran Outreach & Support:
- Serve as the first point of contact for Veterans seeking assistance, providing guidance on available services.
- Assist Veterans in navigating the complex system of local, state, and federal services, including housing, healthcare, legal assistance, and financial support.
- Ensure Veterans are enrolled in appropriate programs, such as the Veterans Assistance Program (VAP), housing support, and employment services.
- Manage VCP’s Veteran Assistance Program (VAP) according to outlined policies procedures and budgets.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of, and connection to, local service providers and community organizations that support Veterans.
Intake & Assessment:
- Conduct thorough intake assessments with Veterans to determine their needs and eligibility for various services and assess navigation needs, based on their unique circumstances and goals.
- Refer Veterans to appropriate programs, including VCP's transitional Village services.
- Assist Veterans with applications for housing, benefits, and other necessary programs.
Follow-up & Resource Management:
- Conduct ongoing check-ins with Veterans who are actively working toward a goal in PHR achievement or improvement, ensuring they are receiving the support and services outlined in their service plans.
- Maintain detailed records of services provided, progress, and outcomes in accordance with VCP’s reporting standards.
- Monitor and follow up on Veteran progress, ensuring timely resolution of any barriers or challenges to service access.
- Advocate on behalf of Veteran’s participating in our programs to expedite access to housing and other important needs to achieve self-sufficiency and stability.
Collaboration & Teamwork:
- Collaborate with internal teams, including Case Managers, the Program Support Coordinator, and Director of Veteran Support Services, to provide comprehensive support for Veterans.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with external community partners, local service providers, and government agencies to facilitate access to services for Veterans.
- Connect with Veterans, and service partners, by participating in community outreach activities and presenting information about available services and VCP’s role in the community of supportive services.
- Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, case conferencing, and other related meetings, providing regular feedback to ensure coordination of services.
Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including intake assessments, service plans, and progress notes.
- Submit regular reports on navigation service activities and Veteran successes to the Director of Veteran Support Services, including monthly and quarterly updates on outcomes.
- Collect data to support the organization's funding requirements and help assess program effectiveness.
- Adhere to confidentiality standards and ensure that all client information is handled with discretion.
Qualifications: Education and Experience:
- Applicants for this position must be a Veteran. VCP’s definition of a Veteran is “someone who served in the U.S. Armed Forces (including reservists) and who has a DD Form 214 or equivalent.” VCP includes all discharge statuses, any length of service, reservists, etc.
- Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, or equivalent relevant work or lived experience required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple activities simultaneously, and ensure attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism.
- Self-motivated, service-oriented, and eager to continuously learn and grow in the role.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and ability to utilize various data management platforms such as an HMIS, CRM, database, etc.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and serve individuals in need with cultural competency.
- Must have a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and an acceptable driving record.
- A passion for the mission and commitment to ensuring Veterans receive the support and services they need to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
- Familiarity with local Veteran resources preferred.
This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Any essential function or requirement of this job will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent or applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation(s) for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent or applicant when possible.
Veterans Community Project is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All VCP employees, other workers and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
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