Field Outreach Case Manager for Veterans

Description

The Field Outreach Case Manager (FOCM) serves as a liaison, connecting homeless veterans to crucial services and addressing barriers unique to the veteran population. The FOCM may serve as an advocate for veterans experiencing homelessness, assisting with the process of obtaining housing, healthcare, mental health services, and other social services. This role emphasizes building trust, facilitating care navigation, and promoting stability and well-being.  

Requirements

Field/Street Outreach component:

This position will require the FOCM to explore various locations within the tri-county area (Orange, Seminole & Osceola counties) to identify and engage veterans experiencing homelessness, and link them to community services. 

The Field Outreach Case Manager will explore camps, wooded areas, parks, abandoned buildings, or other places in the Tri-county area where the unsheltered may frequent in hopes of connecting them to services.  Effective street outreach reaches people who might not otherwise seek assistance or come to the attention of the homeless service system.  

Travel would be required for up to 5 days per week (Monday to Friday) at our SALT location.   

Responsibilities and Duties: 

The functions of this position include: 

1)  Field/Street Outreach

a. Will explore unsheltered locations such as parks, encampments, cars, abandoned buildings, wooded areas, and identify unsheltered clients.  

b. Build supportive, non-judgmental relationships with veterans experiencing homelessness

c. Will complete engagement forms with unsheltered veterans to determine needs and educate them about SALT services, other services, and benefits available to them

d.  Possibly provide transportation/transportation resources for clients to be able to participate in programs and services. 

2)     Referrals

a.  Will refer clients to organizations to obtain services and resources not offered through SALT.

b.  Will hold clients accountable for referral and follow up with the client, system, or organization to confirm the referral was followed through.

c.  Will keep and monitor a log of each organization in Central Florida that supports the veteran population. Updating the log as needed 

3)       Case Management 

a.   Identify candidates eligible for Case Management Services 

b.  Accompany veterans to medical, housing, or benefits appointments as needed.

c.  Serve as an advocate for veterans with service providers

b.  Assist each client with getting connected to the appropriate case management services 

c.   Empower them to pursue their goals as it pertains to obtaining housing (or employment) and assist in holding them accountable to those goals.

4)        Documentation

a.   Will keep detailed internal notes for each client in a secure location. Will ensure privacy and confidentiality of all notes taken.

b.   Will obtain signed Authorizations to Obtain and Disclose Information before entering information in HMIS.

c.   Documentation will be done through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and SALT’s internal note system to support the Continuum of Care and must be completed within one day of sitting down with a client.

d.   Monthly reports may need to be produced and presented to the management team.

Qualifications:

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, healthcare or related field.
2. Certification as a Community Health Worker (or willingness to obtain)
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
4. Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills 
5. Ability to work independently in the field and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
6. Organized, accurate, thorough, detail-oriented, and able to monitor work for quality
7. Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods
8. May need to walk/stand for up to 8 hours at a time with a standard break
9. Intermediate level with MS Excel, MS Word, and Google Docs.
10. Must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle.

Preferences 

1. Lived experience as a veteran or prior military service is strongly preferred.
2. Experience in working with people experiencing homelessness.
3. Knowledge of VA services and veteran benefits systems is highly desirable.
4. Cultural competency and sensitivity toward veteran experiences, including PTSD and substance use.
5. Experience conducting Field/Street Outreach.
6. Experience doing administrative work. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 
• Ability to stand, walk, sprint, run, and patrol for extended periods 
• Must hear and see well (either naturally or with correction)
• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push, pull, and reach overhead
• Work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interactions with customers
• Ability to function with frequent temperature changes between indoors and out
• Work in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain
• Stand and walk continuously for up to 8-10 hours during a shift while providing customer care
• Considerable amount of time using a telephone and/or computer
• Answer phone calls and communicate with colleagues and clients verbally throughout the day
• Use hands and fingers for typing and operating office equipment, such as printers and scanners
• Use hands and fingers for precise mouse movements and keyboard shortcuts
• Review and analyze printed materials for accuracy and quality
• Attend meetings and collaborate with team members in various settings
• Collaborate with colleagues and communicate professionally in person and via email
• Attend meetings and collaborate with team members when needed

EEO Statement:

SALT Outreach, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and

applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type

without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, or disability status,

genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or

any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Drug Free Workplace Statement:

SALT Outreach, Inc. is dedicated to maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace.  We strictly prohibit the use, possession, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs or unauthorized controlled substances on our premises or during work hours and prohibits team members and volunteers from reporting to work, working or being present on company premises while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or other unauthorized substances, or with measurable quantities of alcohol, illegal drugs or other unauthorized substances present in the body.  We reserve the right to conduct random drug tests of all our team members and volunteers.  Violation of this policy, including a positive drug test, may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.