SSVF Street Outreach Worker

Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma is seeking individuals to help grow our mission- We help people overcome challenges to employment. Working at Goodwill is more than a job. Joining our team is a chance to do good for yourself and the community. With our community's donations and contract services we generate the money needed to support our programs which provide training and supportive services to individuals who seek greater independence.

We invite you to take the first step in making a difference by applying to a position with Goodwill.

JOB SUMMARY: To work with the SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families), VA, and other community partner outreach teams in order to identify unsheltered and temporarily sheltered homeless veterans. Veterans are screened for eligibility and then referred for case management assignment.

NOTE: This is a grant-funded position with continuance of position based on length of grant opportunity.

This is not a supervisory role.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Punctual and dependable attendance.
• Identify homeless veterans in communities being served, to include on the streets and in community shelters.
• Complete Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization and Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) and SSVF street sheets/other assessments for services as needed.Provide referrals for homeless veterans, unsheltered and sheltered, to social services, benefits and employment as necessary.Provide support for individuals as they transition from homelessness to housing.
• Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, police and providers of services.
• Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed.
• Direct street outreach activities to identify, enroll and refer homeless veterans to facilitate placement into permanent housing, and if needed, to connect veterans to social services.
• Work collaboratively with SSVF team and partner agencies to focus efforts on individuals most in need of services.
• Exhibit dedication to the mission of ending homelessness among the veteran population.
• Review and be familiar with Goodwill of Central Oklahoma safety policies, programs and procedures and adhere to all safety rules, regulations and safety codes. Attend safety training and meetings and report any unsafe work conditions, accidents or injuries immediately.
• ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Perform other duties and projects as required by management.
• QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work preferred or a combination of Social Work in related field and experience working with military service members, veterans, and/or the homeless population.
• Must pass OSBI/DOC background check.
• Must be 25+ years old.
• Valid Oklahoma Driver's License and Car Insurance Verification, required.
• Must pass MVR check and maintain a safe driving record.
• Ability to speak, read and write the English language.
• Reliable transportation and communication, required.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
• Live the Values
• Results Driven
• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Job Skills Knowledge

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• High level of attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on several projects at once.
• Strong sense of internal and external customer service.
• Strong time management skills and demonstrate adherence to timelines and schedules.
• Good interpersonal skills: able to work well with a wide range of people.
• Understanding of outreach methods and practices.
• Able to work effectively with individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds
• Knowledge of veterans' services and homeless programs/resources in Oklahoma, Cleveland, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, Logan, and Canadian Counties where homeless congregate and camp.
• Veteran status preferred, but knowledge of military/veteran culture, required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and initiative, flexibility, and the capacity to respond effectively in all situations.
• Ability to complete and maintain:
• CPR and First Aid certifications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This work is physical and requires the following activities: Standing, walking, twisting, bending, grabbing and reaching for long periods of time; occasional squatting, kneeling, stooping; good finger dexterity and feeling; frequent repetitive motions; talking, hearing, smelling and visual acuity.
• This work requires being mobile for several hours per day and walking long distances.
• The ability to lift 35 pounds, or more, with assistance.
• Employee is required to operate a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This job will be performed outside of an office setting in all types of weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow and dust.
• Moderate noise level.
• Frequent travel required, providing own transportation.
• Works 40 hours per week or more when required with a variable schedule.

NOTE: The possibility exists that individuals in this role may have to work with or shall encounter registered sex offenders. It is expected that they be treated with an equal level of dignity and respect as any other client.

This is considered a safety sensitive position. No level of impairment from drugs, alcohol or prescription medications will be acceptable while performing the essential functions of this job.

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.