Outreach Specialist

Outreach Specialist Job Purpose: Serves as a liaison with local VA facilities, State, local and private agencies that provide services to very low-income veteran families. Conducts outreach in Ouachita and surrounding rural parishes to ensure that qualifying veteran families are engaged and provided supportive services.

Also provides for collaboration and communication among community partners to ensure at-risk and homeless veterans and their families receive appropriate services. Experience & Knowledge Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life & Family Studies, Social Work, Education or a related field. Experience in marketing, public speaking and community education Knowledge of Community Resources Flexibility to work non-traditional business hours Professional experience in structured group facilitation skills Experience in administration and supervision Veteran Status Preferred Skills and Abilities Knowledge of current social and economic problems and the way these problems affect families and individuals Sensitive to the needs of people and able to carry a variety of leadership roles Ability to assess situations both within and outside the client system and determine priorities Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with individuals from various cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other agency professionals and to be cooperative in handling referrals Ability to identify and use community resources Maintains poise and self control even under extreme stress and unexpected crises Appropriately assertive even in difficult situations Maintains personal appearance consistent with agency image Effective in planning and arranging work responsibilities Assumes responsibility for own learning Ability to work within the purpose, structure and constraints of the Agency and to make suggestions for change in a responsible manner Commitment to continued professional growth Handles delicate situations tactfully Professional and responsible about all aspects of work and makes good use of time Verbal, written and technological communications skills, including the ability to record with clarity and promptness Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be receptive to new ideas Core Values of Staff Compassion.

We act with compassion toward others and work for the good of others by respecting people as the authors of their own lives. Customer Service. We work to delight our customers, both internal and external Integrity. We act with the integrity that promotes the highest confidence, trust and accountability Leadership. We demonstrate leadership in our organization and the community.

Teamwork. We work as a team, achieving more collectively than individually. Job Related Training Courses Programs Orientation On-going in-service with local, state, regional and national workshops, conferences. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Delivers services by Establishing and developing a collaborative relationship with local VA facilities Building community partnerships Conducting outreach to identify low-income veteran families Planning and developing educational offerings of available services Influence community attitudes and practices by Identifying current attitudes and practices Advocating for positive change within communities in regards to homelessness Assures quality services and program efficiency and effectiveness by Complying with appropriate program standards and guidelines Maintaining community partnerships to ensure appropriate service linkages Contributes to team efforts by Communicating effectively Exhibiting a willingness to help other staff Demonstrating flexibility and accommodating change Encouraging and supporting others Giving and receiving feedback Interfaces with allied community professionals and potential clients to market programs by Networking with professionals to ensure an understanding of program services available, Maintaining a harmonious working relationship with collaborative and advisory groups and other related service agencies through amenable and cooperative contacts.

Maintains professional competency by Participating in continued education and personal growth experiences; Reviewing professional publications Establishing personal networks; and Participating in professional societies Promotes a positive image of the agency and markets programs by Ensuring an understanding of program services available Publicizing activities and accomplishments; and Conducting oneself according to a professional code of ethics Performs other duties as related to the position and as assigned Work non-traditional hours and/or alternate schedule during special projects or to meet agency deadlines