Social Services Assistant

Social Service Assistant for Health Care for Homeless Veterans

Social Service Assistant for Health Care for Homeless Veterans within Social Work Service of the Phoenix VA. The goal is to move Veterans and their families out of homelessness by providing health care, outreach and case management services to improve Veteran's physical, mental health and enhance their ability to remain stable with recovery. They will also provide guidance, suggestions and encouragement to empower Veterans and thereby promoting independence. Responsibilities duties include, but are not limited to: Perform a variety of roles that include welcoming Veterans into the local system, orienting them to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program concepts, coordinating and connecting Veterans to resources and programs based on preferences, assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for health and well-being, learning and practicing new self-care skills, helping them monitor their progress, supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services, and providing tools and resources to assist in navigating the HCHV System. Have knowledge of internal and external resources to support the Veteran journey through the HCHV system and connects Veterans to the best options to support their health and well-being and obtain permanent housing, while establishing an ongoing relationship. Coordinate and perform a wide range of tasks to assist Veterans with social services/resources who are struggling with issues of homelessness and striving for independent community living. Assignments are primarily of an advisory and technical nature and involves screening, triaging, advising, and assisting veterans and their significant others who present to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center Health Care for Homeless Services. The HCHV Program is based out of the Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC). Supports the professional staff by serving as the initial contact for veterans and families who are seeking treatment, experiencing problems and requesting housing assistance information. Provide assistance to staff in all Homeless Programs and supports them in completing referrals for Veterans to access housing. Greet veterans requesting assistance; puts them at ease by listening to their requests; determines the nature of Veteran's care needs, questions, or complaints. Answer questions, provides information, gives guidance, and initiates action, as appropriate based on the identified barriers to obtaining and sustaining permanent housing. Provide assistance at the CRRC front desk and operates the program shuttle, as appropriate. Receives SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) training and functions as the Homeless Program SOAR point of contact. SOAR is designed to increase access to Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI) benefits for eligible adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder. Assist Veterans to complete SSI/SSDI applications and ensures that the application is accurate and complete. Work independently and in consultation with a social worker to provide social services which support the agreed upon housing and treatment plan. Keep updated progress records; documents interventions and interdisciplinary interactions in the Veteran's electronic medical record.