Rural Outreach Specialist, PAV

About Primavera Foundation

The Primavera Foundation is co-creating pathways out of poverty through housing, workforce development, homeownership and financial education, and comprehensive community development. Through individualized service planning, Project Action for Veterans (PAV) offers housing assistance to veterans and their families who are recently homeless or about to become homeless, who “but for” this financial and resource coordination assistance would continue to be or become homeless. The program serves veterans living in Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties, and follows the policies and regulations of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  PAV is accredited by CARF for Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention Programs.

The Rural Outreach Specialist is responsible for linking veterans to services through street outreach efforts, establishing partnerships with the Veterans Administration (VA), other providers of services to people experiencing homelessness, participating in community forums and Stand Down and other outreach events, and other strategies as necessary to identify veterans who can benefit from services. The successful candidate will be motivated by a strong desire to help others succeed, a drive for accomplishment and the attainment of goals, a sense of urgency, a team (versus individual) orientation, and a high level of structure and detail orientation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by leadership):

• Travel to all rural communities.
• 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 Rural Resource Specialists with the Program Assistant or other team members.
• Cover walk-in hours in the absence of the Program Assistant and when backup 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, and schedule appropriate follow-up assistance with outreach participants as appropriate. 
• Work with other Primavera staff and community organization partners in planning and advocating for participant needs.
• Serve as backup for apartment habitability inspections, shopping/delivery of supplies, assistance with utility connections, and other needs of the Resource Specialist 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 Director every week.
• 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.
• Assist Rural Resource Specialists to successfully fulfill grant and program requirements, ensuring that PAV meets the goal of a number of veteran households served per year.
• Attend outreach and street outreach events as they are identified.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and/or attend meetings relevant to SSVF, LCEH, WHC and the PAV team as assigned by the 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 rural homeless individuals and families, specifically rural veterans and families with veterans.
• Familiarity with the rural community (Cochise, Graham, Greenlee and Santa Cruz), 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.
• Ability to communicate proficiently and accurately verbally and in writing.
• Strong presentation skills and comfort presenting information to groups in person.
• Ability to perform successfully with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social service or related field.
• Minimum of one-year case management or street outreach experience working with homeless or low-income families.
  (NOTE: A blend of relevant experience and education may be considered in lieu of degree.)
• Demonstrated proficiency with basic computer systems and software, including Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, and web-based data systems.
• Demonstrated 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
• 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 to do street outreach, attend off-site meetings, and travel between locations.,

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) 
• Three years of professional experience working for a non-profit organization or a program serving veterans.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Ability to stand, walk, and work outside in streets, washes, and desert homeless camps (in the desert climate) for up to four hours per shift.
• Ability to work in the office environment, seated and/or standing, with moderate office noise.
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Visual acuity to discern data and information, and hand dexterity to accurately enter information into computer systems