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

Services for the UnderServed (S:US) believes every New Yorker has the right to lead a life of purpose. Since 1978, S:US has been turning this belief into reality by advocating for people with life circumstances marked by homelessness, intellectual/developmental disability, behavioral health and addiction challenges, poverty, criminal justice involvement, and trauma. Our dedicated workforce of 2,400 provides services and supports to transform the lives of 35,000 individuals and families in New York City and Long Island. Learn more about S:US, our mission, and values by visiting sus.org.

Benefits Overview: We offer attractive compensation with comprehensive benefits including: Medical/Dental/Prescription/Vision/Life Insurance; 403(b); Credit Union; FSAs; Short-and-Long-Term Disability; Transportation Plan; Generous Paid Vacations and Holidays