Veterans Employment Specialist

Description

Objective

Deliver intensive, customized employment and related services to homeless Veterans and/or Veteran families through empowerment, clinical techniques and employment assistance in order to return to self-sufficiency.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

Empowerment
1. Establish relationships and inform homeless Veterans, sub populations of Veterans, military families and soldiers of VOAMI Veteran programs
a. Be knowledgeable of places where Veterans and individuals associated with the Military congregate
2. Develop educational opportunities with institutions in the community that are suitable to the needs and desires of clients
3. Coordinate with relevant VOAMI staff and community partners to provide needed supports to attain empowerment and employment goals
4. Conduct periodic evaluations and provide regular feedback regarding clients employment search and employment performance with service coordination teams and supervisor
5. Stay abreast of best practices when serving Veterans and sub-populations of Veterans in need

Clinical Techniques
1. Coordinate case management with VOAMI Veteran staff and relevant VOAMI staff
2. Coordinate with program partners for case management to determine client eligibility and disposition
3. Develop and maintain relationships with the Veterans through therapeutic techniques such as motivational interviewing, strengths-based approach, or person-centered approach in order to foster a relationship that assists them with overcoming barriers
4. Perform basic counseling skills i.e. motivational interviewing, strengths-based approach, cognitive behavioral therapy

Employment Assistance
1. Maintain developed community partnerships through regular interaction
2. Participate in the development of each member's Individual Employment Plan, which will detail member's employment readiness goals and an action plan for achieving those goals
3. Develop employment positions with employers in the community that are suitable to the needs and desires of clients
4. Conduct individual assessments and job readiness and identify employment-related deficits
5. Maintain HMIS and Department of Labor databases as it relates to employment and enrollees
6. Facilitate or co-facilitate weekly employment readiness and employment support groups
7. Develop and maintain relationships with program partners, community partners, employer supervisory staff and other VOAMI Veteran staff and related VOAMI staff
8. Develop and maintain relationships with business, non-profit and government employers
9. Coordinate with program partners to attend outreach/educational events and meetings
10. Maintain and strengthen employment and outreach databases
11. Inform employers of veteran employment tax benefits and wage subsidies

Additional responsibilities
Plan, implement and achieve individual goals within position, as agreed upon with the Veterans Employment Manager
Maintain client files and paperwork as required by program standards
Complete all relevant trainings on VOAMIs Relias System in a timely manner
Exercise discretion while working with community partners, stakeholders, external partners, and Veterans
Use independent judgment when providing therapeutic assessments, treatment plans, clinical decisions and managing matters of significant crisis in the absence of immediate direction or supervision
Represent VOAMI in a professional manner when conducting business in the community and attending community events with community partners
Maintain compliance with VOA Michigan policies and procedures
Ensure that all duties are carried out in a timely and orderly fashion so that VOA Michigan functions in the most efficient manner possible
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Requirements
Bachelors degree in social work or related social services field in which advanced knowledge was obtained through specialized intellectual instruction or equivalent of 2-3 years experience with disabled populations or equivalent combination of education and experience to include training received while serving in the military
Basic knowledge of mental health disorders
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with employers and manage employer accounts
Availability to work a non-traditional schedule that includes holidays, evenings and weekends
Professional appearance and sensitivity to others
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
Information technology skills
Ability to work effectively with individuals of varying stability, incomes, skill levels, experiences and cultures
Ability to speak and write clearly
Must maintain a valid Michigan Drivers License, driving record that meets insurability requirements and have own transportation

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Works primarily inside. Works closely with Employment Specialist, Outreach Specialists and VOAMI Veterans Housing Staff. Interacts with a diverse public. May be subjected to interruptions throughout the day. May be subject to hostile and/or emotionally upset public.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, stand walk, talk, see, hear and drive. Must also have finger dexterity and feeling. Vision requirement includes close and distant vision.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in social work or related social services field in which advanced knowledge was obtained through specialized intellectual instruction or equivalent of 2-3 years experience with disabled populations or equivalent combination of education and experience to include training received while serving in the military
• Basic knowledge of mental health disorders
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with employers and manage employer accounts
• Availability to work a non-traditional schedule that includes holidays, evenings and weekends
• Professional appearance and sensitivity to others
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Information technology skills
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of varying stability, incomes, skill levels, experiences and cultures
• Ability to speak and write clearly
• Must maintain a valid Michigan Drivers License, driving record that meets insurability requirements and have own transportation

Preferences

• Experienced military veterans, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps members
• Master’s degree in social work or related human services field in which advanced knowledge was obtained through specialized intellectual instruction or equivalent of 3 years’ experience with disabled populations or equivalent combination of education and experience to include training received while serving in the military
• Knowledge of sales and marketing
• Knowledge of veteran entitlements and employer benefits

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Works primarily inside. Works closely with Employment Specialist, Outreach Specialists and VOAMI Veterans Housing Staff. Interacts with a diverse public. May be subjected to interruptions throughout the day. May be subject to hostile and/or emotionally upset public.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, stand walk, talk, see, hear and drive. Must also have finger dexterity and feeling. Vision requirement includes close and distant vision.