SUMMARY OF POSITION: The case manager/employment specialist works with the homeless veterans from the Bi-State (MO & IL) area placing eligible clients into stable employment and housing. The case manager will utilize Best Practices: to assess client’s basic needs, make referrals as deemed appropriate, monitor each client’s progress and retention. Individual counseling sessions will be held with all program clients. RESPONSIBILITIES: Fulfill contract employment related goals and housing placement goals per month by- • Assessing 9 eligible veterans per month • Enrolling an average of 6 eligible veterans per month into HVRP program • Placing an average of 5 eligible veterans into program employment per month • Working with SSVF team to ensure that an average of 3 eligible veterans are placed and tracked for housing each month • Ensuring an average of 1 eligible veteran for training certification per quarter • Other quarterly goals met as assigned by manager Facilitate Job Readiness Classes by- • Teaching job readiness classes to all employment clients according to the content of the class schedule as structured by manager Perform job placement and job development by- • Meeting with client once a week until employed • Working closely with client and his or her individual employment plan to ensure and maintain placement • Cultivating strong relationships with area employers to ensure placement and retention Conduct 30, 60, 90, 180, and 1 year follow-ups with placed clients by- • Contacting clients and employers and recording content of contact of monthly follow-ups and case notes in caseworthy; i.e., job retention; same job or different job, hourly pay, and/or job related information Input client information, documentation and verification requirements into files, caseworthy and TPR by- • Completing daily and monthly departmental paperwork • Ensuring files are compliant • Updating daily client electronic files to include any type of client contacts within 24 hours of services Provide case management by- • Assessing initial program eligibility at intake • Completing an Individual Service Strategy assessment on first day of JRT class and documenting client’s progress • Meeting with client on a weekly basis • Completing an Individual Employment Plan with client • Tracking client’s job interests and applications on a weekly basis • Assessing transportation needs; providing time appropriate bus tickets/bus passes/gas cards Employment Specialist (Continued) • Providing vouchers for necessary, job related new hire items including tools, clothing and shoes • Assisting client in obtaining needed documentation such as IDs or Licenses • Coaching client on successful job retention techniques Perform veteran outreach by- • Developing relationships with MO and IL area service providers • Searching for eligible veterans through MO and IL area service providers • Recruiting eligible veterans • Attending bi-annual Greater St. Louis Area Stand Down and benefit fairs • Researching additional benefits available to enhance service being provided • Referring client to additional resources to address other service needs, i.e., legal assistance, V.A. benefits, substance abuse counseling, etc. Other duties as assigned by manager KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: • College degree, BSW or related field preferred, or equivalent experience with proof of ability to perform effective case management • Ability to follow, understand and meet grant requirements, including paperwork • Ability to follow directions, including structural changes, and understand job description and duties • Knowledge of housing and other supportive service resources • Ability to work with budgets SKILLS AND ATTITUDES REQUIRED: • Interest in helping veterans reach their full potential • Ability to work well with a diverse and wide range of people • Possess good math skills • Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets, client centered databases, and client and program centered data entry such as DOL grant Technical Performance Report entries • Ability to handle confidential information • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations • Ability to process a large volume of paperwork • Have an maintain a positive work attitude • Ability to organize, time manage, and pay great attention to detail RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRED: • Reports to HVRP Manager • Works with other veteran employment specialist staff • Works with staff in other programs • Networks with other federal, state and local agencies • Works with HVRP clientele RESOURCES: • Job readiness class curriculum and materials • HVRP housing assistance • Veterans materials and programs • Client records and reports • DOL TPR • Transportation, clothing and documentation assistance • Emergency food pantry • Other resources as needed