Veteran recovery

OUTREACH WORKER

Official Title: Health Technician - GS-6 - Comprehensive Homeless Center

I. Principle Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will conduct outreach to homeless veterans in Northeast Ohio. Outreach will take place in a variety of settings including, but not limited to shelters, drop-in centers, soup kitchens, and the streets. The incumbent will work independently in the community. The following duties will be performed by the incumbent:

  • Identify and complete initial contact with homeless veterans.
  • Completion of an initial interview and assessment.
  • Complete appropriate documentation of contact.
  • Refer homeless veterans to appropriate services needed.
  • Provide information regarding services of the Comprehensive Vocational and Homeless Assistance Center.
  • Facilitate referrals to VHA and community support services.

II. Factors

  1. Knowledge Required For the Position
  • Ability to interact with homeless veteran and develop a trusting relationship.
  • Must have a solid understanding of the dynamics of homelessness.
  • Must have good interviewing skills.
  • Ability to function independently in the community setting.
  • Must have the ability to decide what presenting conditions are of priority.
  • Must be able to plan and organize assigned duties.
  • Ability to establish good working relationships with VAMC and community agencies.
  • Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Must be able to engage homeless veterans in a variety of community settings.
  • Ability to assist the veteran through bureaucracies to obtain needed services.
  • Ability to set therapeutic boundaries with clients.
  • Must have valid drivers license.
  1. Supervisory Controls
  • The incumbent reports directly to the Section Chief, Community-Care Services. The Section Chief’s availability is very limited. The incumbent works primarily in the community, such as in shelters, drop-in centers, soup kitchens. The responsibilities require that the incumbent function independently and although monitors patient compliance with the individualized treatment plan, must at times amend the treatment plan when conditions warrant such a change.
  • The incumbent conducts initial engagement of the veteran and initial interview for the purpose of completing an assessment of the veteran’s needs. Based upon the assessment refers the veteran to the appropriate referral source at the VA and/or community agency. Incumbent coordinates the referral process to ensure continuity of care. The incumbent documents all activity according to Comprehensive Vocational and Homeless Center documentation guidelines. Outreach activity must be according to Comprehensive Vocational and Homeless Center policy and is evaluated accordingly.
  1. Guidelines
  • Guidelines are provided through Policies and Procedures of the VA Medical Center Comprehensive Vocational and Homeless Assistance Center.
  • The incumbent will receive clinical direction from Program Coordinator, Health Care For Homeless Veterans Program.
  • The incumbent must maintain valid drivers license.

  1. Complexity
  • The incumbent will be conducting outreach activities to homeless veterans in a variety of community settings. The incumbent must be able to function independently in potentially difficult situations and circumstances. In many situations the incumbent will be the first VA staff person that the homeless veterans comes in contact. Often times the incumbent will be in situations where only he/she will be with the homeless veteran. The incumbent must be very knowledgeable about the problems that are characteristic of a homeless veteran: chemical dependency, mental illness, suspiciousness, health problems and isolation. Because of these biopsychosocial problems the incumbent must be astute at identifying these problems and utilize good judgment.
  1. Scope and Effect
  • The incumbent will be a key member of a multi-disciplinary team, providing outreach services to homeless veterans. As the initial contact, the incumbent will be the key person in directing and guiding homeless veterans to needed services.
  1. Personal Contact
  • The incumbent will have numerous contacts with VA staff and community agencies in Northeast Ohio.
  1. Purpose of Contacts
  • Contacts with homeless veterans are to inform them about VA services and community services and assist them in obtaining needed services.
  • Contacts with homeless veterans are to assess their needs and connect them to services that will facilitate breaking the cycle of homelessness.
  • Contact with VA staff and community agencies will assist in providing continuity of care for the homeless veterans.
  1. Physical Demands
  • The work involves extensive driving in the community.
  • At times the incumbent will assist in moving clothing items.
  1. Work Environment

The incumbent works primarily outside the VA Medical Center setting. Because outreach activities take place in the community such as in shelters, drop-in centers and soup kitchens, the potential for dangerous situations to occur and reoccur is high. The incumbent must be trained in dealing with disruptive behavior and safety training. The incumbent must be willing to work various tours of duty if needed which may include irregular tours, weekends or holidays as needed.