PAV Outreach Specialist

Program Description

The Primavera Foundation is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families overcome poverty and strengthen the Tucson community since 1983. Project Action for Veterans (PAV) provides housing assistance to veterans and their families who are recently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, following policies and regulations from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Job Summary

The Outreach Specialist plays a crucial role in identifying and connecting veterans to essential services through street outreach efforts, community forums, and other initiatives. This position requires a strong commitment to helping others, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Identify and interview participants, assessing their needs during street-level/shelter outreach and creating an avenue for program intake.
• Assist in coordinating scheduled intake appointments for Resource Specialists with the Program Assistant or other team members.
• Cover walk-in hours in the absence of the Program Assistant and when back-up help is needed.
• Network with community members and the VA to ensure the program is marketed community-wide.
• Work with VA staff to inform them of program changes and encourage referrals.
• Provide information and referrals, schedule appropriate follow-up assistance with outreach participants as appropriate.
• Serve as backup for apartment habitability inspections as requested.
• Develop and maintain an outreach schedule in coordination with other agencies and VA personnel.
• Maintain an ongoing outreach log, submitting it to the Co-Director on a weekly basis.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures for the SSVF Program, staying informed of updates as released by SSVF.
• Establish and maintain confidential assessment files and ensure accuracy of data according to Primavera and SSVF requirements.
• Aid Resource Specialists to successfully fulfill grant and program requirements, ensuring that PAV meets the goal of number of Veterans households served per year.
• Attend outreach events as they are identified.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and/or attend meetings relevant to SSVF and the PAV team as assigned by the Co-Director.
• Report any emergency situations and needs immediately to leadership.
• Attend meetings with collaborating agencies as scheduled.
• Attend agency meetings as required such as All Staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties as requested/assigned by leadership.
• Demonstrate adherence to Primavera’s guiding principles of integrity, respect, accountability, compassion, and leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of services for homeless individuals and families, specifically veterans and families with veterans.
• Familiarity with the Tucson community, including mainstream social services, employment, and housing options.
• Altruistic drive to help others succeed, balanced with focused drive for achievement of goals.
• Ability to work effectively, compassionately, collaboratively, and efficiently with program participants, the public, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong presentation skills and comfort presenting information to groups in person.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social service or related field.
• Minimum of one year of case management or street outreach experience working with homeless or low-income families.
• Demonstrated proficiency with basic computer systems and software, including Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, and Excel, and web-based data systems.
• Demonstrated a history of excellence in verbal, written, group presentation, and time management skills.
• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain.
• Level 1 fingerprint clearance card or ability to obtain.
• Successfully complete the background check process.
• Must have reliable transportation with current registration, a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, current registration, and proof of insurance coverage in order to do street outreach, attend off-site meetings, and travel between locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Military veterans; released under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Three years of professional experience working for a non-profit organization or a program serving Veterans.