Community Outreach Case Manager (66790)

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas empowers self-reliance and inspires hope through personalized housing, ministry, health, and human services that benefit vulnerable individuals, their families, and the community. Founded in 1896, we are one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, serving thousands each year across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Carolinas.

About the role

This full-time, nonexempt position reports to the Program Director and focuses on creating partnerships, identifying individuals in need of suicide prevention services, and improving referral pipelines within VOACC’s Suicide Prevention services. The role requires a conventional work week with evening hours and occasional weekend work, as well as travel throughout the community and local sites.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate outreach efforts for the Veterans Program, including:
  • Establishing an outreach plan targeting eligible participants as outlined in the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program’s VA program guide.
  • Developing a schedule to visit VA facilities, shelters, and other locations where veteran families congregate.
  • Creating communication and updates with the VA and other community providers.
• Screen potential program participants for eligibility using VA-approved forms and verify veteran and income status with applicable agencies.
• Provide SSG Fox SPGP services as outlined in program guidelines, including:
  • Outreach to identify those at risk of suicide.
  • Baseline mental health screening for participants over 18.
  • Education on suicide risk and prevention for families and communities.
  • Provision of clinical services for emergency treatment.
  • Case management and peer support services.
  • VA benefits assistance for eligible individuals and their families.
  • Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other federal, state, local, or eligible entity benefits.
  • Support for emergent needs such as health care, daily living services, financial planning, transportation, temporary income support, legal services, and childcare.
  • Implementation of nontraditional and innovative treatment practices as determined by the VA.
  • Other services necessary to improve mental health and reduce suicide risk for eligible individuals and their families.
• Provide or arrange support and wraparound services, including connections to VA and mainstream resources.
• Communicate effectively with the service team to address and correct issues related to living skills, employment, education, family, and socialization.
• Participate in program and professional supervision, staff meetings, Project Management Team meetings, and trainings.
• Assist individuals experiencing homelessness with accessing resources and making referrals, maintaining engagement until shelter or permanent housing is obtained.
• Maintain computerized client records, daily activity logs, mileage logs, and other reports as directed.
• Drive a van/shuttle, complete daily vehicle inspection reports, and ensure safety conditions are met.
• Develop relationships with individuals through frequent outreach visits to build trust and encourage program participation.
• Research community resources that benefit veterans and provide advocacy when they encounter barriers.
• Foster integration of the program with existing departmental and regional services, including homeless services, veteran’s services, and behavioral health.
• Travel throughout the community and local sites as needed.

Impact

• Provide community stabilization support.
• Deliver immediate mental health services to clients in crisis.
• Decrease hospitalization utilization rates in the community.
• Reduce law enforcement contact with mental health clients and lower recidivism rates in the prison system.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in outreach, with a focus on Veterans or individuals with mental health, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Demonstrated ability to explain an agency’s purpose, programs, and operations.
• Knowledge of available community resources.
• Self-starter with a mission-driven commitment to connecting people with services.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and related products.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability for conflict resolution.
• Bilingual skills in any language are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies.
• Physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, and hear.
• Capability to perform basic and light home maintenance activities and operate office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
• Ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods.