Employment Specialist, Veteran's Housing Program

**THIS POSITION MAY QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL AND/OR STATE STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS**

JOB SUMMARY:

An Employment Specialist/Program Support employee works with each resident veteran to provide information between the veteran and the Care Coordinator/Life Coach. This employee is responsible for providing documentation for the veteran’s file as required by Vitality Unlimited and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This position also requires working with different agencies to provide medical, legal, employment and various other services.  Is also responsible to promote an environment conducive to the veteran’s adjustment and transition into a productive lifestyle. In addition, this position requires clerical skills, adequate computer skills in various programs, i.e., Word and Excel.  Professional telephone skills, filing, making appointments and face-to-face contact with employers and the VA.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reports to the Program Manager and Care Coordinator.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and in-service training courses.
• Complies with confidentiality requirements.
• Is available to workdays other than this position’s set schedule if necessary.
• Participates in outreach and census building activities.
• Assists the Care Coordinator/Life Coach with day-to-day clerical duties when necessary.
• Documents and maintains accurate records.
• Meets with all new resident veterans and completes the intake paperwork.
• Assists with medication and medication log compliance.
• Assists with random drug and breathalyzer testing as well as testing under suspicion.
• Ensures sign-in and -out sheets are in compliance.
• Sends weekly census.
• Is in the rotation for emergency on call.
• Conducts weekly living skills classes.
• Conducts weekly veteran resource classes.
• Reports veteran’s progress including attitudes and responses to the Program Manager and Care   
• Coordinator
• Collaborates with community resources to provide residents with skill building workshops.
• Assists veterans in obtaining employment, retaining employment, enhancing job skills,            
• volunteering, or being an active student or combination thereof while being a resident in this program.
• Assists in the implementation of the veteran care plan.
• Assists veterans with job applications and completion of resumes.
• Coordinates with the Care Coordinator/Life Coach to set appointments for job training, vocational rehabilitation, educational needs, medical services, legal services, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and housing.
• Arranges or provides transportation for a veteran to travel for a job interview or program related appointments if no other means of travel are available.
• Acts as a liaison for resident back-to-work and rehabilitation programs.
• Advocates for maximizing resident disability benefits.
• Actively searches for community resources for successful veteran re-entry.
• Monitors veteran volunteer work and searches for new volunteer opportunities.
• Participates in veteran discharge planning.
• Responsible for alumni follow-up.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions from supervisor.
• Ability to motivate veteran participants.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to establish a work routine.
• Ability to adhere to safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of available social, medical, vocational, and legal resources.
• Knowledge of resources available to provide substance abuse treatment for addictive

behaviors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must provide certification at time of employment.
• A valid Nevada Driver License and proof of insurance.
• Must have an acceptable driving record.
• Capable of responding to resident’s needs in a variety of situations.
• Physical stamina and the ability to perform tasks that require bending, lifting, and standing for  extended periods of time.
• Must consistently provide a negative drug screen for illicit substances.
• Must have at least five (5) years verifiable employment experience.
• Must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Vitality Unlimited policies and procedures.
• Must possess and show aptitude for following direction.

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in social science and / or related field required.