Veteran Support Specialist

The Veteran Support Specialist reports directly to the Veteran Service Coordinator (VSC) at the designated U.S.VETS site. With supervision, the Veteran Support Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and services to veterans to achieve their highest level of independence and assists in the daily implementation of day-to-day basic residential services. 

Responsibilities 

For Veteran Support Specialists of all U.S.VETS Programs: 

• Ensures harmonious atmosphere within program by maintaining communication with and being liaison between the clinical staff and program staff and fostering the therapeutic community environment among clients 

• Establishes rapport and maintains a professional relationship and boundaries with clients and potential clients.  

• Coordinates individual and group services that help veterans achieve specific life and recovery goals and support success  

• Responsible for the preventing or de-escalating any problematic behaviors among clients including submitting Incident Reports to the Veteran Service Coordinator or Lead Veterans Service Assistant concerning these events 

• Assists with maintaining compliance with VA, HUD, and other funder regulations and organization protocols in requesting third party documentation and ensuring all program documentation is collected and maintained 

• Participates in case conferences, consultations, and staffing with appropriate staff.   

• Facilitates and/or participates in monthly Town Hall meetings.  

• Assists Case Managers in maintaining confidential client files in a professional and timely manner ensuring all forms are the most recently revised versions and in compliance with organization standards; all required documents are present, complete, signed by the client and staff as applicable; and documents are placed in the correct order according to organization standards  

• Maintains confidentiality in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards 

• Assists in quality management activities, data collection, and preparing reports 

• Attends scheduled team meetings and trainings 

• Maintains and submits time sheets, mileage logs, supportive service requests, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely fashion 

• Responsible for addressing client issues timely to ensure non-interruption of services  

• With supervision, facilitates support groups and life skills classes and assists with teaching daily living skills on an individual level to those with specific needs 

• Assists with monitoring program rent/participant fee compliance to assist clients in prioritizing housing 

• Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs. 

• Transports clients to community medical, housing, errands, and other appointments and accompanies for support as needed 

• Coordinates therapeutic, social/recreational activities and outings 

• Performs other duties as required 

• High School Diploma required 

• One year of experience in social services or related field preferred 

• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques 

• Experience working with homeless and/or veterans preferred 

• Experience facilitating support groups preferred 

• Strong oral and written communication skills 

• Professional manner and appearance 

• Ability to work independently and within a team 

• Ability to take direction 

• Ability to work effectively with diverse group of clients, staff, and community members 

• Computer proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet and ability to use client tracking databases and electronic case records 

• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course