Community Outreach (Veteran Services) at Veterans Multi-Service Center – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families. We provide a comprehensive range of services designed to empower veterans to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and thrive in their communities.

VMC is committed to fostering a workplace culture where diverse voices are respected and valued, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. We utilize data-driven strategies to demonstrate how our workforce consistently prioritizes and delivers quality client service from program entry through to exit, aligning directly with our mission to serve veterans and their families.

Position Overview:

The Community Outreach position will be an advocate for veterans and their families, responsible for ensuring their accessibility to the program, especially those experiencing homelessness. This role will involve developing community partnerships, providing program information, and facilitating the application process. The ideal candidate will have experience working with homeless populations and a strong understanding of community resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate outreach initiatives to find homeless veterans and their families.
• Facilitate the program application process, including referrals, document collection, and participant screening.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Maintain records of community asset maps, outreach trackers, and mileage logs.
• Conduct outreach initiatives to locate homeless veterans.
• Provide presentations to community partners to promote public awareness of program goals.
• Attend all internal, external, and community meetings relevant to the position.

Qualifications:

• Minimum High School Diploma, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Knowledge of and connections with the social service (specifically housing/homeless) and non-profit sectors.
• Minimum two (2) years working in relevant community engagement and communications field, preferably working with programs dealing with poverty, homelessness and personal development.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record and insurance.

Core Competencies & Capabilities:

• Analytical Skills and Mindfulness: Gather and interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform effective decision-making. Ensure a high standard of quality, accuracy, and precision in all tasks.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Build positive, effective working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders. Contribute to team goals while recognizing and valuing the unique strengths of others.
• Communication: Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, across all levels of the organization. Maintain a friendly and positive demeanor when engaging with veterans, families, staff, and the public.
• Creativity and Initiative: Act decisively without prompting, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to embrace additional responsibilities. Generate innovative solutions to complex problems or organizational challenges.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Evaluate information and situations logically to identify key issues and consider alternatives. Effectively set work priorities and develop reasoning-based solutions to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ethics, Boundaries, and Composure: Uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain professional boundaries in all interactions. Remain calm and maintain self-control during difficult circumstances or emergencies.
• Computer Proficiency: Maintain a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) to support administrative and programmatic functions.
• Organization and File Management: Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining thorough, accurate files and contract documentation. Ensure data integrity in alignment with grant-related funding requirements.
• Case Management & Resource Navigation: Demonstrate specialized knowledge of case management services and community resources. Maintain expertise in Federal, State, and local assistance programs, including housing, utilities, and disability benefits.