Advocate Program, Inc. is a multi-faceted community agency whose mission is to facilitate social change and enhance public safety through leadership, research, education, supervision, and services, utilizing best and evidence-based practices.
The Advocate Program, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501 c (3) justice agency that offers probation, diversion, community service, DUI and traffic programs, domestic violence programs, substance abuse and mental health evaluations and treatment to court-ordered individuals. It has expanded to work with juveniles and families in the juvenile justice field, families impacted by family conflict and violence, and homeless veterans and their families.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts one-on-one and community Veterans Supportive Services outreach efforts to identify and screen low-income veterans and their family members who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homelessness, as required (including weekends and evenings, as necessary).
- Works closely with the local Department of Veteran Affair.
- Complete the initial assessment to determine eligibility for Veterans Supportive Services, and category of service to be provided, by focusing on the low-income veteran/veteran family’s eligibility for VA benefits, housing status, income, household composition and other factors impacting the veteran family’s Housing Stabilization. Assisting in the housing plan for veterans literally homeless or at risk of homelessness in Monroe County by working in concert with them on goals to obtain stable housing.
- Responsible for accomplishment of monthly outreach performance measures
- Attends community meetings such as the Veteran By Name List and Monroe COC meetings.
- Carries out LINKAGE / referral activities “on the spot” to address the priorities identified by low-income veterans and their families at risk of homelessness.
- Works as an extension of the Veterans Supportive Services Case Management team, as necessary, to respond to, and meet with SSVF participants in community settings when necessary to facilitate the intake, referral and follow up processes.
- Works with the Director to ensure that timely and accurate information about the Veterans Supportive Services range of services, including emergency financial assistance, is provided to the veteran community and to key individuals and organizations serving very low income homeless populations.
- Travels within Monroe county. Mileage is reimbursed.
- Participates in in-service training as needed to develop and/or enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of our Veteran Department .
- Works in team environment cooperatively and proactively. Upholds service mission by actively contributing towards team approach.
- Evaluate the veteran family’s need for financial assistance, services and support and reflect this information in the Veterans Supportive Services participant’s Housing Stabilization action plan
- Advise tenant and landlord of amount of SSVF funding approved for assistance, and follow up within three days of issuing the check to ensure that the Veterans Supportive Services participant’s immediate housing issues are now resolved
- Accepts and responds to supervision by the Director.
Requirements:
Military Veteran of combat zone or member of military family desired. Willingness and ability to learn human services skills; knowledge, experience and desire to aid fellow veterans / active duty members and members of their family. Comprehensive training will be provided to motivated applicant.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed above satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the additional knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
OUTREACH/ INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
The ideal candidate for the Veteran Outreach Specialist will be a combat zone veteran with experience in team leadership skills, ensuring welfare of troops during military service; someone who is self motivated and able to motivate others, who enjoys social interaction and engagement, who can successfully gain the acceptance and trust of clients, as well as with staff in other agencies that have entered into referral and service coordination agreements with Veterans Supportive Services , and possess strong work ethic and organizational skills.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Military Veteran desired. Extensive knowledge and experience of Miami-Dade County, Miami VA, Miami Vet Center and the local network of community based health and human services organizations providing support services to veteran families at risk of homelessness is preferred. Demonstrated ability to learn human services skills and knowledge as well as motivation to aid fellow veterans and their families is required. Comprehensive training will be provided to motivated applicant.
COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Must have excellent interpersonal skills coupled with excellent oral and written communication skills. Must possess strong observation and analytical skills; functional knowledge of emergency assistance services in Miami Dade County; strong personal responsibility. Current training on military family benefits offered by the VA as well as familiarity with military family challenges is preferred. Flexible approach to working hours is mandatory, as it impacts ability to attend outreach events, and the ability to meet with family members and veterans after normal business hours.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze and interpret program procedures, outreach protocols and related policies. Ability to write reports, correspondence, and assist team in outreach tools development. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions about the Veterans Supportive Services Program from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to communicate in Spanish is highly recommended.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Must have demonstrated skills in the MS Office 2000 Suite or higher (includes WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, EMAIL OUTLOOK or EMAIL EXCHANGE) and Internet Explorer.
- Ability to use or is familiar with web based social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.
- Additional knowledge in the following is ideal, but not required: Adobe Acrobat for PDF creation; Document Scanning; CD Burn/creation
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The employee performs work in a normal office setting within a reasonable environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to perform local and non-local travel.
Note: Benefits offered are for Full Time employees only.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Work from home
Shift:
Application Question(s):
- Are you currently in the Florida Keys or willing to work in the Florida Keys?
- Have you had previous experience working with Veterans or the homeless?
Ability to Commute:
- Marathon, FL 33050 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Marathon, FL 33050: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
