Job Title: Health Navigator
Group: Programs
Department: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Region: NC
Location: NC regional offices
Classification: Non-Exempt
Status: Full Time
Reports to: Assistant Director
Supervises: N/A
Travel Requirement: Telework Capacity and travel in the Carolinas region as needed.
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas empowers self-reliance and inspires hope. As a church without walls, we do this through personalized housing, ministry, health, and human services that benefit vulnerable individuals, their families and the community. Founded in 1896 in Baltimore, MD by social reformers, Ballington and Maud Booth, we were one of the first of over 30 affiliates of Volunteers of America one of the nations largest and most comprehensive human services organizations.
Our founders envisioned a movement dedicated to reaching and uplifting the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand. Their declaration continues to guide Volunteers of America's impact on Helping Americas most vulnerable.
Through a dedicated and committed team of more than 850 employees and thousands of volunteers, we provide critical care, support services and hope to thousands of people each year throughout Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. We firmly believe our employees drive the success of the organization. Through our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, we endeavor to attract, engage and retain qualified, diverse, compassionate individuals to join our journey and experience a work environment that offers challenging, stimulating and financially rewarding opportunities.
JOB SUMMARY
As a Health Navigator, youll be doing the important, meaningful work of managing crises, providing in-the-moment support to clients with complex behavioral health issues, ensuring client safety, and connecting clients to high-quality, evidence-based providers and connections to Veterans Administration Medical Center services. This position does not involve providing in-person services or therapy, but instead focuses on supporting clients in connecting to care and housing. You will provide day-to-day support and services for participating veteran households in need of homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing and transitional supportive services. Provide key linkages for clients beginning at their intake and assessment following through to their attainment or maintenance of permanent housing in their home community.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Coordinate collaborative efforts for the SSVF Program and develop a set schedule to visit the VA, shelters, and other places that homeless and low-income veteran families are likely to congregate, and develop communication/ updates with the VA and other key housing and community providers.
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Skillfully manage client crises, providing brief risk assessment, safety planning, and de-escalation with the goal of connecting the client to a therapeutic service
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Independently manage a caseload of complex, multi-need clients
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Effectively and professionally communicate with clients throughout the process of accessing care, via email, phone, and occasionally text
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Conduct housing and comprehensive supportive services assessments for program participants and develop a comprehensive Family Services Plan.
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Provide service coordination between the local VAMC and community partners, for persons served and their families/supporters.
- Work with persons served, family members, collaborating housing agencies and professionals to revise service plans and to develop placement, stabilization and follow-up plans.
- Provide or arrange support for veterans transitioning to or maintenance of permanent housing.
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Travel to housing sites to support persons served, monitor progress and address any health, behavioral or life skills issues.
- Communicate effectively (under confidentiality rules) with clients service team to rapidly address and correct issues with services or supports - especially living skills, employment, education, family and socialization.
- Ensure that veterans and their families receive services that support rapid re-housing; addressing assessed needs, promoting healthy decision-making, securing financial independence and promoting relationships at home in the community.
- Participate in program and professional supervision, attend required staff and Program Management Team meetings and trainings, and contribute to team-based collaborative planning.
- Complete other duties as needed and requested.
EFFECT ON END RESULT:
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Veteran housing, employment, family, social support and life-skill issues are rapidly addressed and supports and services are amended or adjusted as required to ensure maintaining housing, economic stability or attainment of benefits, and socialization of veteran and family in their home community.
- Veterans receive appropriate transition and service plans and supports.
- Client file documentation is complete and timely.
- Statistical information is documented and reported.
Clinical License preferred but not required.
Masters level social worker or equivalent education with experience in counseling psychology, nursing, rehabilitative counseling, or related human service field.
Experience working with homeless individuals and families including veterans is a plus.
Comfort in environments with constantly evolving responsibilities.
Passion for connecting individuals with excellent care and able to provide short-term support in person, over the phone and via email.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.
The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.
Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time
OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
OTHER:
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This position requires driving your personal vehicle for company business. Must be privileged to drive according to the criteria set forth by Agency MVR guidelines.
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Valid drivers license in jurisdiction of residence
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Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle)
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May be required to drive a van
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Acceptable Criminal background check, OIG Exclusion check
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Negative Drug Screening
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CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed
