GPD Service Center Outreach Coordinator

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE:                          GPD Service Center Outreach Coordinator                          

LOCATION/DEPT:             Champaign Red Shield Center/Veteran Services

REPORTS TO:                     GPD TIP Supervisor/DOVS

PEOPLE MANAGER:         N/A

FLSA CATEGORY:             Non-exempt

PAY GRADE:                       205

PAY RATE:                           $20.67-$24.80 Hourly, Grant Funded

 

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to “Doing the Most Good”. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

 

JOB SUMMARY

NCI GPD Service Center Outreach Coordinator is a member of The Salvation Army Veteran Services Team.  The goal of the GPD Service Center Outreach Coordinator is to form relationships with community/service organizations throughout the catchment area to provide information regarding the GPD Service Center, coordination of services with community partners and engage with Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Champaign County.   Working closely with the Department of Veteran Affairs to ensure compliance with the GPD guidelines, the GPD Service Center Outreach Coordinator makes appropriate referrals to The Salvation Army Veterans Services Prescreen team, advocates for participants to receive appropriate services related to specific needs and assists with the overall quality assurance of the GPD Service Center program.  The GPD Service Center Outreach Coordinator supports Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness through active engagement leading to increased willingness to enrollment in programs and participation in services offered on-site and in the community.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Outreach (60%)

• Identifies locations frequented by potential Veteran applicants and conduct regular outreach to those sites as needed.
• Engages and builds rapport with target population.
• Maintains a meeting space at the Red Shield Center that is safe and convenient for participant meetings and programs.
• Assists in providing appropriate referrals for the individuals not eligible for SSVF services.
• Refers appropriate, qualified Veterans/families to the Prescreen team for prescreen eligibility.
• Provides guidance and support to community volunteers working with the program.
• Utilizes coaching, motivational interviewing and harm reduction strategies to support movement to financial accountability and sustainability.
• Coordinates/participates in CoC meetings, By-Name-List Meetings, Prescreen/VA Case Conferencing Meetings for Champaign County IL-503.
• Assists staff with in-person meetings with Veterans to support engagement and safety.
• Maintains a strong understanding of the various Salvation Army programs offered to provide resources to Veterans.

 

Administrative (10%)

• Participates in the quality assurance activities regarding the GPD Service Center program (CARF – Services Coordination). Tracks and reports unmet needs of participants and their families.
• Assists in the documentation regarding the effectiveness of service delivery using consumer, case management and community resource feedback.
• Participates in other program and outcome evaluation activities.
• Provides ideas for programmatic specific to educational, social, health care, mental health, hygiene, and employment needs of participants.
• Assists in the overall monthly statistical data collection with regard to the GPD Service Center program and submits report to Supervisor and/or Director of Veteran Services.
• Maintain compliance in The Salvation Army’s “Safe from Harm” Certification. (required)
• Complies with all applicable training requirements, company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures.
• Maintain documentation, confidentiality, and compliance with all program and the Salvation Army Code of Ethics
• Participates in training and workshop program as requested by Supervisor and/or Director of Veteran Services/SSVF Program Manager.
• Successfully satisfy the training requirements associated to the position and as required by The Salvation Army.
• Perform other duties as assigned as related to the SSVF program.

 

Collaboration (30%)

• Interfaces with community organizations and other social service groups to educate providers on the GPD Service Center program.  Forms relationships with these groups and meets with them on an ongoing basis.
• Forms relationships with community professionals/service organizations to assist in the identification of Veteran/families who are eligible to participate in GPD Service Center services.
• Participates in Stand Down and other VA/community outreach activities.
• Maintains working relationships with Veteran assisting organizations including Veteran Affairs, Veteran Assistance Commissions, Veteran Service Officers, etc.
• Maintains positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters good relationships with clients, co-workers and supervisors.  This includes, but is not limited to, such action as: resolution of conflicts in a professional manner, courteous treatment of staff, visitors and clients; respect of others’ property and person; and professional and appropriate communication to and about clients, co-workers and supervisors.
• Maintains a strong understanding of the SSVF and GPD Bridge, TIP, Case Management Services and Service Center programs offered by The Salvation Army.
• Works in partnership with other Case Managers, Intake Specialists and support staff Workers and participates in regular case consultation.
• Participates in outreach events and activities when appropriate.

OCCASIONAL OVERNIGHT AND WEEKEND TRAVEL

Involves occasional driving to offsite meetings/trainings and conducting occasional in-person meetings with program participants.

• Occasionally work weekends to accommodate event schedules, or other organizational needs. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet deadlines and ensure successful event execution.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

 

Education:

• Possesses a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in related field or experience with direct service to marginalized populations, or a person with lived experience.
• Advanced degree in social work, counseling or human services is ideal.
• Knowledge of VA homeless programs including GPD, SSVF, HUD-VASH, HCHV, and Veteran benefits systems.
• Valid Driver’s license/MVR clearance.
• Veteran status preferred.

 

Experience:

• Previous experience with social services and/or homeless programs.
• Experience working with Veterans and families.

 

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to engage and build rapport with Veterans experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and other barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Demonstrated knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, strengths-based engagement, and harm reduction practices, or the ability to acquire and effectively utilize these approaches.
• Strong knowledge of community resources, Veteran-specific services, homelessness response systems, Coordinated Entry, Continuum of Care operations, and local service delivery networks.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Veterans Affairs staff, Veteran Service Officers, community-based organizations, landlords, healthcare providers, employers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment, initiative, and discretion in daily operations.
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate meetings, educational workshops, outreach activities, and community-based service initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities with the capacity to identify barriers to service delivery and develop practical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a cooperative team member while supporting interdisciplinary and community-wide initiatives to end Veteran homelessness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, emerging community needs, and evolving program requirements while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.
• Commitment to supporting the mission of The Salvation Army through ethical conduct, compassionate service, community collaboration, and a dedication to improving outcomes for Veterans and their families.

 

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit resources of The Salvation Army that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• The individual will keep the designated Supervisor and Director of Veteran Services informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual must receive successful completion of background screening as well as employment eligibility verification.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position may be required to do light to moderate physical work. Sometimes heavier.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment including a PC and potentially make public presentations/interactions.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• This individual must be able to travel to meet the needs of the position. A valid MVR is required.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.  This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others’ property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.  Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

 

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the GPD TIP Program Manager and Director of Veteran Services.
• In context related to this position’s duties, this individual will interact with a wide range of contacts both internal and external. In these contacts he/she will act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

 

COMPETENCIES

• Maintains high ethical standards and adherence to The Salvation Army Code of Ethics and Safe From Harm Policies.
• Ability to engage Veterans experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health concerns, substance use disorders, or other barriers to stability.
• Skilled in engaging individuals who may be reluctant to participate in services.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with community partners, government agencies, Veterans Affairs, Continuum of Care members, landlords, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.
• Works effectively within multidisciplinary teams and coordinated service systems.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. 
• Resolves conflicts in a positive manner.
• Treats staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
• Respects others’ property and person.
• Uses professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. 
• Maintains professional boundaries with participants and community partners.
• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and dependability.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimum supervision.
• Supports the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

 

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved. Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed.  An evaluation of how effective service is provided. Performance will also be determined by outcome information provided during weekly staff meetings and monthly reports.

 

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.      

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