Outreach Specialist - Veterans First

Apply

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Job Type:Full-time

Description

Who we are:

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization, serving the Washington, DC region. We empower individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community. Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs that have positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We are committed to living out our core values both within our organization and the community.

Our Core Values:

Friendship Place is a person-first Organization that promotes transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to carry out their job tasks in a manner that is consistent with our core values. This includes the following:

• Excellence and Innovation
• Finding Ways to Say "Yes"
• Caring at the Core
• Agents of Change
• Support, Empowerment, and Development
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Collaboration
• Integrity and Accountability

Summary:

This position conducts Outreach to Veterans and their families in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Frederick. The Outreach Specialist will conduct street outreach to locate eligible veteran households for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve. The Outreach Specialist will screen for program eligibility and complete VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments as needed to determine prioritization within the Coordinated Entry system and enter them into HMIS. The Outreach Specialist will complete cover sheets and fill open intake slots with eligible households assigned to Friendship Place. The Outreach Specialist will build and maintain relationships and partnerships with other social service organizations and outreach workers in the service areas.

Responsibilities:

• Make contact and develop rapport with homeless and at-risk Veteran Families and make appropriate community referrals
• Conduct street outreach
• Target the "most in need" Veteran Families and those who would otherwise be difficult to locate or serve
• Conduct VI-SPDAT, SPDAT, and/or Prevention assessments with Veteran Families in need of services and enter into HMIS
• Develop and maintain relationships with local social services and public benefit agencies, shelters, and faith-based and community-based organizations serving low-income, at-risk, and homeless Veteran Families
• Develop and maintain relationships with local VA facilities, including Vet Centers and Veterans Benefit Administration offices
• Participate in Stand Down (or similar) events
• Participate in Local Coordinated Entry
• Market services provided by the SSVF grant
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision
• Maintain and document all outreach efforts on Excel
• Attend professional training and conferences as needed
• Support other Specialists as needed
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Requirements

Background & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED and at least two years of experience in a similar setting preferred
• Bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience in a similar environment preferred
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Understanding and experience working with Veterans
• Experience with outreach to local organizations and government agencies
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
• Strong commitment to mission, including racial equity and social justice
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work as a team player

Direct reports

None

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Up to 70% of the time may be spent working in the field with participants, in the car, outdoors, or in shelters. Other time will be spent in the office completing administrative and paperwork and meeting with supervisor.

Specific Requirements:

The employee must have a valid government-issued ID. Strong preference for employees to have their own transportation to carry out job duties and responsibilities. Must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.)

Other Details:

Application Deadline: This job is open until filled or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.

Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $58,117.00-$63,506.53. Flexible schedule (Monday-Friday), some evenings, holidays, and weekends may be required and participates in on-call rotation. The annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate's starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements and current completed education, credentials, and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.

Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package including low-cost health insurance, health reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B defined contribution plan matching, employee assistance programs, professional development, employee resource groups, 15 paid holidays, 15 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave during 1st year of employment, and much more!

COVID-19: All Friendship Place employees, regardless of their vaccination status, must continue to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with agency's COVID-19 protocols and applicable law and guidance. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing masks in congregated settings, washing their hands or using hand sanitizer often, monitoring their daily health, and staying home if they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (or if they are otherwise prohibited from reporting to work by health provider pursuant to CDC, state and local guidance). Since the public health and legal landscapes regarding this policy are subject to frequent changes, Friendship Place reserves the right to amend or cancel this policy at any time at its sole discretion, consistent with applicable law, consistent with CDC guidelines and the DC Department of Health.

Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Friendship Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Friend Place is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact human resources at humanresources@friendshipplace.org.

Salary Description

$58,117.00 - $63,506.53