Veteran Housing Coordinator - The ARCHES Project - Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency

The Veteran Housing Coordinator (VHC) will interact closely with landlords and clients to negotiate potential rental opportunities and to resolve housing related issues and barriers effectively. Eligible participants will include veterans (and their families) who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The VHC will work with each participant to develop an individualized action plan with the goal of self-sufficiency and long term housing stability.

Candidates must submit their application by 10/8/2024 in order to be considered for first round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Services or a related field.
• Two years case management or social service experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working with veterans preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Basic proficiencies in computers, and MS Office products, database software and web tools. Must possess excellent planning, organization and time management skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to proficiently read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Assess participant eligibility and gather documentation as required.
• Collaborates with the Veteran Services Officer team to provide the necessary supports and advocacy to encourage positive tenancy by participants.
• Coordinates with Salem Housing Authority and other partnering community programs to provide financial assistance and supports to assist participants in stabilizing their housing.
• Completes participant assessments for the purpose of determining continued eligibility and participant needs and strengths.
• Develops and coordinates individualized action plans.
• Collaborates with Peer Support Specialist to coordinate services to participant.
• Monitors participant progress and maintain detailed and up-to-date case notes.
• Maintains organized and complete participant files.
• Assists participants in locating and stabilizing appropriate housing.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with local landlords.
• Identifies needs for Barrier Removal Funds such as security deposits, past due utility bills, document acquisition (ID, birth certificates, etc.), transportation, etc.
• Works in collaboration with Salem Housing Authority to coordinate financial assistance
• Networks with community agencies to stay informed about services and resources.
• Follows up with community agencies that have made assistance commitments to participants.
• Provides information and referral to appropriate services and provide assistance and advocacy appropriate to each participant's level of need in acquiring such service.
• Provides client-tracking, follow-up, and support.
• Inputs client data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Measures and Outcomes Tracking System (MOTS).
• Prepares data and evaluation reports as required by the program.
• Assists the Housing Assistance Program Coordinator in ongoing data management and reporting.
• Participates in Community Outreach to local organizations, camps, and groups as directed by supervisor.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.
• Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly lift up to 25lbs, occasionally lift up to 50lbs.
• Manual dexterity for handling computers, devices and office equipment.
• Frequent driving in all weather conditions to Agency and client sites in Polk and Marion counties.
• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
• Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving, resourcefulness, and creative thinking while dealing with situations that fall outside of Agency policies and guidelines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly works indoor and outdoor in cold weather, heat and other extreme climate events.
• Close quarters, often with a public client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
• Frequent interruptions and demands; frequent noise.
• Occasional remote work if approved by supervisor.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth, and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, please apply at mwvcaa.org/careers/.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.