Peer Mentor / Outreach

Job Description

Job Description

MISSION STATEMENT : The mission of Society of St. Vincent de Paul CARES is to alleviate pain and suffering, in a spirit of justice and charity, through person-to-person involvement.

SUMMARY : The Peer Mentor / Outreach II provides direct outreach and pre-screening to Veterans who may be appropriate for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. This includes the provision of rapid resolution, a diversion and rapid exit strategy, during and after normal business hours to determine if a Veteran seeking emergency shelter has other options where they can stay that’s safe, other than a shelter or streets / vehicle. This could be temporary or permanent. Qualified candidate must have an understanding of the issues facing people who are at risk of homelessness and options to prevent their becoming homeless. The ability to mediate and negotiate with family and friends is critical in the identification of alternatives to becoming homeless and entering a shelter or staying on the streets or other places not meant for habitation. The Peer Mentor / Outreach II must also be able to engage Veterans who are hard to reach and or not interested in participating in services to end their homelessness. The position must have knowledge of the service delivery system and the resources available for Veterans and their families to assist persons obtain necessary documentation to determine eligibility and to maximize the resources for which they are eligible. The Peer Mentor / Outreach II participate as a member of the strengths-based Case Management team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at this time)

Rapid Resolution

• Provide crisis intervention to address the immediate needs of the very low-income, chronic, and non-chronic homeless veteran population
• Be available on-call during hours scheduled after normal business hours to include no less than 9 hours on Sunday and Saturday, and no less than 4 hours Monday through Friday, unless relieved by another employee.
• Must be able to return to work when on-call if necessary. Work hours in this case start from the time you leave your home until you return with a 2-hour minimum. Flexing the extra hours is at the employee’s discretion with the approval of the supervisor.
• First and immediately before or after the Veteran accesses shelter or emergency services, work with the Veteran to identify an immediate safe place to stay
• Assess the individual's family, friends and support network to assist in identifying a housing solution to prevent the Veteran and family from becoming homeless immediately and that can provide housing for at least ninety days
• Provide mediation, conflict resolution as needed
• Process Temporary Financial Assistance in accordance with required limitations
• Determine eligibility for Rapid Resolution Program and SSVF

Outreach / Peer Support

Evaluate and provide solutions to housing need

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES :

Employee Benefits :

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES : (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE : (Depending on position and if prior to hire is approved by Chief Executive Officer, a comparable amount of training, education, or experience may be substituted for the minimum education qualifications)

GENERAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS : These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made, if appropriate, to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of job. Working in an office / site requires prolonged sitting at the computer workstation; standing, bending, reaching, lifting up to 20 lbs. Requires driving and walking outdoors and wooded areas. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment. It is also required to regularly sit, speak, and listen, the employee is also required to walk, use hands and fingers to type, operate equipment, and maintain records and notes. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

MENTAL DEMANDS : Must handle new and diverse work problems on a daily basis. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem, and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with volunteers, clients, contractors, visitors, and employees at all levels within the Agency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT : Environment will occasionally become noisy due to equipment operations and interactions among clients and staff. There may be the possibility of being exposed to communicable disease, possible exposure to verbal abuse, or similar behavior from residents / clients. On an as needed basis, employees may be called upon to work outside of the established work schedule or work odd hours. All information associated with the Agency is confidential.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul CARES is an Equal Opportunity Employer.