Veteran's Outreach and Intake Specialist

Veteran Outreach & Intake Specialist

Location: New Visions Homeless Services, Veterans Campus, Omaha, Nebraska

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Summary of Work:

Under the supervision of the Site Director or designee, the Veteran Outreach & Intake Specialist provides outreach, engagement, screening, and intake services for Veterans experiencing homelessness in Omaha and surrounding communities.

This position receives and responds to referrals and conducts outreach at shelters, encampments, hospitals, VA facilities, community agencies, and other locations where Veterans experiencing homelessness may be found. The Specialist builds relationships with Veterans, assesses immediate needs and program eligibility, completes intakes, and helps determine the most appropriate New Visions, VA-funded, or community program for each Veteran.

This position requires a compassionate, persistent, trauma-informed approach and the ability to engage Veterans who may be experiencing significant barriers to housing and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receive and respond to referrals for Veterans who are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness.
• Conduct outreach at shelters, encampments, hospitals, VA facilities, community locations, and other places where Veterans experiencing homelessness may be located.
• Build trusting, professional relationships with Veterans using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach.
• Assess immediate needs, housing status, safety concerns, barriers, and potential eligibility for available programs.
• Complete screenings, assessments, intake paperwork, releases, and other required documentation.
• Explain available programs, expectations, services, and next steps to Veterans in a clear and respectful manner.
• Connect Veterans who are not appropriate for a New Visions program with VA or other community resources whenever possible.
• Assist Veterans with transportation and transition into New Visions programs when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely outreach, referral, intake, and program documentation in accordance with New Visions and applicable VA requirements.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations and utilize verbal de-escalation and sound judgment when needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, outreach events, trainings, and community meetings as required.
• Work collaboratively with New Visions case managers, residential staff, leadership, and VA partners to support successful program entry and continuity of services.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

New Visions Values and Culture

• Must treat all clients, visitors, and employees with caring, kindness, respect, and dignity.
• Adheres to NVHS policies, procedures, code of conduct, confidentiality requirements, and attendance rules.
• Embraces and implements a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.
• Recognizes and respects the unique experiences, strengths, and culture of military Veterans.
• Must demonstrate tolerance, patience, flexibility, persistence, and good judgment.
• Must have the ability to work independently in community settings and as part of the New Visions team.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience in outreach, homeless services, Veteran services, case management, peer support, behavioral health, human services, crisis services, or a related field is preferred.
• Military service and/or relevant lived experience may be considered qualifying experience and is valued by New Visions Homeless Services.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn VA homeless programs, eligibility requirements, community resources, and coordinated referral systems.
• Strong engagement, assessment, problem-solving, and resource-navigation skills.
• Ability to work safely and independently in shelters, encampments, hospitals, and other community environments.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with special attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn required documentation systems.
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record for a minimum of two years.

Education:

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, behavioral health, or a related field is preferred.

In lieu of a degree, New Visions Homeless Services will consider relevant military service and/or demonstrated professional or lived experience in Veteran services, homelessness, housing instability, outreach, peer support, recovery, behavioral health, crisis services, or related human services.

Resumes can be sent to bwallar@newvisionshs.org or kpurcell@newvisionshs.org

Job Type: Full-time (36 hours/week)

Schedule:  Days but schedule may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and other hours based on outreach and program needs.