Veterans Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be primarily responsible for outreach, coordination of referrals, education, intake, providing case management and community-based service coordination. Under the supervision of the Coordinator, the Veteran Advocates ensure adequate supportive services and care as a part of the permanency/transitional planning process. The Veteran Advocates teach relapse prevention principles. They will ensure that Veterans receive services in a manner that is consistent with agency and operation policies, ethical standards of practice and the individual service plan established for each Veteran. Position functions as a member of the supportive services WestCare team and works with Veterans and their families, both at the Center, in the community and in the home as needed, to devise the individualized service plan for Veterans success. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform outreach and coordinate referrals from other agencies and institutions.
• Schedule appointments with Veterans to determine eligibility and accompany Veterans to their appointments and community activities.
• Active participant and leading efforts of SWOT Team.
• Coordination of community events
• Coordination and management of team building activities.
• Manage emergency drills/documentation as according to company policies/grants/accreditation requirements.
• Attend scheduled meetings, speaking engagements and presentations with referral agencies as required.
• Increase Veterans usage/access to benefits/VSO
• Build partnership with VSO/Social Services.
• Work closely with Iowa Legal Aid to Assist Veterans.
• Complete assessments, provide case management.
• Timely, accurate documentation of all Veteran records.
• Coordinate orientation and educational services for all Veterans.
• Coordinate additional assessments, VA medical appointments as needed.
• Conduct outreach activities, referrals, housing, employment, and financial assistance services.
• Assist Veterans in obtaining permanent housing and employment or training programs.
• Attend scheduled meetings within the community and represent Family Alliance for Veterans of America (FAVA) at conferences and other meetings.
• Provide crisis intervention in accordance with WestCare procedures.
• Oversee and coordinate tasks including but not limited to follow-services educational needs vocational needs and discharge planning.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation
• Other relevant duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to operate a computer and complete documents in Microsoft Word program formats or the ability to learn.
• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Military/Veteran preferred.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is required; and
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• As mandated by Presidential Order all employees of WestCare Foundation, Inc. and all affiliates of WestCare Foundation, Inc. will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 effective 11/1/2021. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelors Degree with minimum of two years of related experience in case management and care coordination or;
• An Associates Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services or a related field with a minimum of one year of case management experience
• Having served in the military a plus
• Experience working with Veterans and/or the homeless population preferred

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.