Job description

This employee works independently and collaboratively with a team of health and social service professionals to assist in the development and implementation of outreach services for Veterans to access behavioral health services and serves as a bridge between the community and the system of housing, health and social services for Veterans. Outreach efforts are conducted primarily at VA centers, shelters, and locations where veterans may be gathered (i.e. encampments, meal programs, etc.) as well as outreach to Veterans’ homes when needed.

The Veterans Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist assists Veterans and their families to access needed relevant services for holistic care, to include housing resources, behavioral healthcare, medical healthcare, and dental care. Hours of work are flexible to meet program needs with some evenings and weekends. With the knowledge of trauma informed care and the skills of motivational interviewing the Veterans Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging with Veterans who struggle to access services due to complex psychosocial issues, cultural barriers, etc.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Participate in outreach activities to engage Veterans and assess individual and family needs.
• Perform brief screening and assessment when appropriate. Assist homeless veterans to access resources through the Homeless Veterans Registry and other Coordinated Access systems for homeless services as appropriate.
• Engage with Veterans by eliminating social, cultural, linguistic and educational barriers to develop a culturally competent and creative action plan for the Veteran.
• Coordinate with other Veterans services, including the Veterans Administration, the VA’s Community Resource and Referral Center, and Transition Projects, Inc. Attend regular meetings between Veterans service providers.
• Coordinate with community alcohol and drug treatment providers, including detox, residential, outpatient, etc., as well as with community behavioral healthcare providers, including outpatient and inpatient.
• Facilitate communication and positive relationship-building between clients, Veterans’ service providers, and other medical, behavioral health, and social service providers; guide Veterans through complex service systems.
• Consult with clinical supervisor in complex cases exceeding area of expertise
• Demonstrate a person-centered approach in working with Veterans by respecting their self-determination and autonomy and exploring their ambivalence by utilizing Motivational Interviewing principles
• Participate in agency and care team meetings to coordinate outreach activities as needed.
• Respond to requests for outreach to individuals in the community.
• Collaborate with housing and auxiliary providers in developing care plans and goals based on identified needs
• Strongly adhere to Trauma Informed Care principles and educate providers on this model as appropriate.
• Ensure that clients get timely access to appropriate services by promoting and modeling advocacy skills.
• Help coordinate patient transportation and accompaniment as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Peer Support Specialist, Peer Wellness Specialist, Family Support Specialist, Community Health Worker, or Certified Recovery Mentor.
• Experience serving Veterans with behavioral health needs, including Veterans experiencing homelessness.
• Experience conducting outreach and multi-agency collaboration strongly preferred.
• Must have own vehicle, insurance
• Demonstrated effectiveness in presenting ideas, transmitting information, or conveying concepts to individuals or groups of people of varying educational, cultural and experiential levels.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients, the community, and other staff members.
• Experience working with Veterans, either professionally or through lived experience, strongly preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, other treatment program staff, team members, and to treat everyone with respect and dignity at all times.
• Written and organizational skills to complete all required documentation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
All NARA NW employees are required to show proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Portland, OR 97201: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location

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