OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:
The Veteran's Services Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing a range of services to support veterans within Westmoreland County. Individuals struggling with homelessness, food insecurities, mental health issues, and those requiring job assistance will work closely with the veterans services coordinator to resolve their need(s). This role plays a crucial part in fulfilling the mission of the Veteran's Affairs & Services Department to provide comprehensive support to veterans, ensuring they receive the care, benefits, and services they deserve.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mental Health Support: Work closely with veterans facing mental health challenges, connect them with appropriate mental health services, and provide ongoing support and follow-up.
Housing Assistance: Assist veterans in securing stable housing by coordinating with local housing agencies and/or housing navigator, identifying housing options, and providing guidance in eligibility for housing programs and financial assistance.
Benefits Navigation: Help veterans understand and access the benefits and services available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other relevant agencies.
Resource Coordination: Maintain a comprehensive database of local resources and services available to veterans, ensuring timely and accurate referrals to meet their diverse needs.
Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for veterans within the community, representing their interests and needs in discussions with local government, nonprofits, and other service providers.
Program Development: Collaborate with the Director of Veterans Affairs & Services to design, implement, and evaluate new programs and initiatives aimed at improving veterans' well-being and quality of life.
Education and Outreach: Conduct informational sessions and outreach efforts to raise awareness about available services, benefits, and programs for veterans.
Data Management: Maintain accurate and confidential records of veterans served, services provided, and outcomes achieved for reporting and evaluation purposes.
Emergency Assistance: Work closely with veterans facing financial emergencies, connect them with appropriate services, and follow-up.
Case Management: Will work closely with veterans to address their needs; ensuring a follow up no less than 2 weeks, and no more than 2 months, as case management to ensure their needs have been addressed.
OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:
Attends meetings and/or training sessions or seminars as required.
Performs other job-related duties as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives occasional instruction and some supervision from Director and Deputy Director in regard to daily work duties.
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
N/A
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works indoors in adequate workspace and lighting but with fluctuations in temperature and ventilation, with occasional outdoor work.
Works with average indoor exposure to noise, stress, and disruptions.
Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
Periodically works beyond normal work hours or on an as-needed basis.
Maintains emotional stability during stressful situations.
Travels periodically for veteran outreach, as needed.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS:
Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties.
Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
Light work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of 35 pounds.
Must be able to cope with the physical, mental, and emotional stress of the job.
Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field, or combination of military service and relevant experience working with veterans.
Knowledge of veterans' issues, mental health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and services.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with veterans, their families, and various community stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Knowledge of local resources and services available to veterans.
Experience in case management or social services a plus.
Understanding of confidentiality and ethical considerations in serving veterans.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.
Must possess effective oral and written communication skills and apply established policies and procedures.
Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.
Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers, and software.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Must possess the ability to maintain maximum efficiency of operation.
Must know or be able to learn to accurately apply VA regulations.
Must possess the ability to learn local, State, and Federal regulations concerning benefits applicable to veterans, veterans' families, and others concerning the rights and benefits available to eligible veterans, and to apply such regulations to essential job duties.
Must possess the ability to counsel, advise, or refer veterans, their families, and others concerning their rights and benefits.
Must possess a valid PA driver's license.
Must possess a willingness to travel as needed to carry out essential job duties.
Please send resumes to employment@westmorelandcountypa.gov.
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.