Outreach Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: As an Outreach and Intake Specialist, you will be responsible for locating, identifying and screening low income, at-risk and homeless Veterans and Families for potential enrollment into services and programs. You will work with and develop community partners that help provide supportive services to our Veteran clients and increase awareness of the VIC mission. You will conduct professional presentations to educate and inform companies, organizations, civic leaders, donors and potential partners on the VIC mission, including programs and services offered. You will interact with local leaders around the state and be expected to travel to achieve our goals. You will be the face of the VIC and our mission to support Veteran families.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct outreach and engagement at homeless camps, shelters, emergency departments, detoxification centers, jails, and other locations to locate and assist homeless Veterans
• Conduct initial screening and interviews to determine eligibility for services; collect required documentation In Accordance With policies and procedures
• Develop innovative outreach plans, with the assistance of your assigned supervisor, that enable positive connection and conversation with at-risk and homeless Veterans and families
• Coordinate for transport of Veteran or Family to VIC offices with in-house assets or community service providers, as necessary
• Use non-judgmental approaches to discussions and problem-solving for high-barrier individuals including criminal histories, mental illness or personality disorders
• Assemble files for eligible applicants and submit to the Program Manager for review and referral to appropriate case managers
• Refer ineligible Veterans to appropriate community programs and services through knowledge and experience in community programs
• Schedule and conduct client interviews via telephone or web-based tools
• Work independently, and as a team, to achieve programmatic goals and objectives
• Evening, weekends, and shift-work may be required (with advance notice)
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) or more years of college or education

Two (2) or more years of customer service experience

Proficiency using MS Office and Windows OS

*Experience may be substitute in lieu of educational requirements

Preferred Skills

Bi-lingual a Plus;

Experience in community outreach with vulnerable populations

Knowledge or training in behavioral health challenges including mental illness, domestic violence, & addictive behaviors

Familiarity with different ethnic and cultural groups

Intermediate or advanced computer skills using MS Office and Windows OS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Client-Focused

• Empathize with homeless Veterans and families while determining eligibility for VIC and other community resources to help meet their needs

• Respect the needs of those in poverty and the difficulties in reaching out for assistance

• Attend formal and informal, in- and out-of-state, training on mental health, crisis intervention, advocacy and other topics that enable you to perform your duties

Judgment and Decision Making

• Evaluate conversations and determine eligibility for programs, needs, and services

• Use ethical, honest and logical judgment when making recommendations for enrollment of Veterans or Families into VIC programs and services

Communication

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Convey the mission of the VIC and the need of at-risk and homeless Veterans & Families

• Track and maintain written records and reports of work and outreach efforts

Technical Skills

• Understand federal, state and local social services and assistance programs including financial, housing, nutrition, medical and mental health

• Adhere to HIPPA and PII guidelines and safeguard information of clients

Teamwork

• Participate in community meetings that use a collective approach to problem-solving

• Manage individual workload and provide support to team members when needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Constant-Communicate with difficult clients

Frequent-Record information, personal data and interpret government documents

Frequent-Drive safely and recognize hazards

Occasional-Work in difficult weather and environments

Occasional-Travel for work-related events and training

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid US Driver License, Proof of Current Insurance, Use of Reliable POV

• Clean Motor Vehicle Driving Record – no more than 2 moving violations or license suspension in the past 3 years

*Criminal History does not automatically exclude applicant form potential hiring

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor: 30% - Office environment

Outdoor: 70% - All weather conditions and variable temperatures

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $19.10 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Albuquerque, NM 87123 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $19