The Veteran Peer Navigator (VPN) must have served in the United States Armed Forces (Active, Reserve, or National Guard service) or be an immediate family member of a Veteran/Service Member. They will provide day-to-day support to veteran households, and assist with outreach, engagement and service delivery to veteran applicants and participants across the five boroughs of NYC. They play an active role in the Veteran program participant’s case as they pursue housing stability. The VPN will function as a role model and peer, using their lived expertise to aid the Veteran household as they navigate through SSVF services and community-based supports. The VPN advocates for participants and supports their unique needs and desired service outcomes. The Veteran Peer Navigator is expected to be highly mobile to engage, meet with, navigate and support participants and applicants through all stages of the SSVF program. They work in-tandem with the other members of the S:US SSVF team to deliver core supportive services within the program and to empower veterans as they work towards housing stability.
- ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist participants in the SSVF program to define, plan and achieve their goals related to SSVF such as homeless prevention/rapid rehousing, income and benefits maximization and other goals for their housing stability.
- Provide resources and referral services to community members and possible participants, particularly for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs services and entitlements, public benefits, and legal services.
- Coordinate referrals for internal and external housing, health navigation, employment and core services for the full veteran family.
- Assist program participants with accessing needed community services (housing, employment, medical, behavioral healthcare, vocational services, food, clothing, etc.) through the development of a referral network, program-initiated referrals and follow up.
- Maintain a strong knowledge of VA and community resources and support participants in navigating through these services.
- Encourage participants’ professional, educational and personal growth when appropriate.
- Act as an advocate for Veteran families during their course of services with SSVF.
- Attend community outreach activities in order to raise awareness of SSVF services to veterans across our service region and to educate and recruit new program participants.
- Accompany Veterans to various appointments at: DSS, VA, SSA, court, shelter, GPD, etc.
- Document all engagements with participants and applicants according to VA and S:US standards, including the writing of case notes and contact logs.
- Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and professional boundaries according to S:US and funder standards
- Attend and actively engage in all team meetings, supervisions and trainings.
- Respond to veteran and program needs promptly, accurately and with courtesy and respect.
- Support team members in the delivery of daily services, including providing positive modeling, peer counseling, support and encouragement to participants.
- Screen and assess applicants applying for S:US Veterans Services.
- Assist with the development of Housing Stability Plans and follow-up re-certifications with participants.
- Act as advocate for participants as appropriate; encourage and support self-advocacy.
- Participate in SUS Veterans Service Fair(s) and other events.
- Willingness to travel to outreach events and to engage Veterans in the field up to 80% of the time.
- Willingness and ability to attend occasional events outside of normal business hours.
- Represent the agency and programs and in a professional manner to funders, participants of the program, potential customers, referring agencies, network members, and other stakeholders.
- Deliver high-quality customer service.
- Perform other duties related to the program as defined by the Program Director and management team.