SCOPE OF ROLE:

As part of the SSVF team, the Outreach Specialist is the initial S:US contact point for Veterans and their families who are seeking homeless prevention or rapid re-housing assistance from the program.   This position delivers excellent customer service while conducing intake assessments, referral management and triage for veteran households across NYC.  Th SSVF Outreach Specialist provides engagement follow-up and delivers ongoing support to applicants and program participants as they enter SSVF. They deliver person-centered, trauma informed services and navigate veteran households through the enrollment and housing processes of the program. The Outreach Specialist screens and assesses applicants applying for S:US Veterans Services and navigates applicants for program services through the intake process, conducting extensive in-person outreach across all boroughs of NYC and its suburbs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outreach through the distribution of materials, informational/educational presentations and marketing to community members and possible participants.
• Address crowds of varying sizes and offer program presentations.
• Provide resource and referral services to community members and possible participants, particularly for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs services and entitlements, public benefits, and housing resources.
• Execute outreach plan functions and coordinate resources in conjunction with SSVF staff and other SSVF programs.
• Interface with representatives from referring agencies and partnering service providers in order to facilitate the delivery of program services and a steady flow of referrals.
• Assist program participants with accessing needed community services (housing, employment, medical, psychological, substance abuse, vocational, food, clothing, etc.) through the development of a referral network, referral and follow up. 
• Maintain a small caseload of SSVF participants in accordance with SSVF standards.
• 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.
• Maintain a strong working relationship with colleagues and program managers.
• Document all services in compliance with agency standards.
• Work as a member of the social service team in the development of on-site and off-site socialization, educational, risk reduction and skill building activities with a view towards permanent housing stability.
• Liaison to community-based services and groups including civic, social service, government, businesses, landlords and non-profit organizations.
• Participate in ongoing individual supervision, team meetings, case conferences, division meetings and trainings.
• Assist with the development of Housing Stability Plans and follow-up re-certifications with participants, when applicable.
• Travel to outreach locations and engage stakeholders in the field, at medical centers, shelters and other outreach locations up to 90% of the time.
• Attend occasional events outside of normal business hours.
• Coordinate referrals for internal and external housing, employment and legal services.
• Promotes the SSVF Housing First model of service delivery, especially for persons who present with highest barriers to accessing and maintaining permanent housing.
• Remains current and updated on new regulations, policies, industry trends, and best practices. 

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, combination of experience and education considered.
• Must have an ability travel to outreach locations including medical centers, homeless shelters, housing units, outreach events, and other locations across the catchment area to engage Veterans in the field.
• Willingness and ability to travel across various locations regularly including homeless shelters and VA locations (up to 90% of the time);
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible in work location (office/fieldwork locations) on a weekly basis.
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Lived expertise in homelessness or human services a plus;
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours a plus, including Veterans Day and occasional weekend hours
• Veterans strongly encouraged to apply

S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Join a team of employees who cares about the wellbeing of others. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and development. From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, explore all that we offer on our Benefits Page and see how S:US invests in you. 

We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values:  respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.  

S:US is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Leave Team at MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.