Work Study: Veteran Advocate

Description

POSITION TITLE: Work Study: Veteran Advocate  

PROGRAM/LOCATION: Veteran’s Wellness Program (VetWell)/ San Luis Obispo 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterans Wellness Program (VetWell) provides support to veterans and dependents who are managing mental health challenges, trauma, relationship concerns, and co-occurring disorders. Through therapy, group support, and case management, the program serves individuals in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County while promoting resilience, recovery, and personal growth. The VetWell team values professional and cultural humility, self-reflection, and a commitment to providing high-quality care. 

The Veteran Advocate Work-Study position is available to students receiving education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In this non-clinical role, the student supports the program by researching veteran-specific benefits and community resources and identifying programs that may assist veterans. The advocate compiles and shares this information with the program’s Case Manager, helping connect veterans to resources while operating within a strictly non-clinical role.

HOURS/ SALARY:

Part-Time, non-exempt position. Up to 20 hours per week. Anticipated hiring range is $16.90. Includes a variety of helpful employee perks as well. (*Full Salary Schedule $16.90 per hour)

Please Note: This is a VA Work-Study position. The selected participant will be paid directly by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with the VA Work-Study Program. 

EMPLOYEE PERKS:

A few of our helpful employee benefits include membership discounts to various local fitness centers. We offer years of service gift cards to businesses of your choice. We offer gift cards for walking, biking, or carpooling to work as well as 20% discount for shopping at our Growing Grounds Downtown Store/Nursey/ Farm. We host two employee appreciation events for employees and their families yearly. We practice Trauma Informed Care Principles, Guidelines for Collaborative Conversations, and encourage the use of pronouns. We mindfully promote equality, respect and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the fascinating characteristics that make us different! TMHA is also a pet friendly workplace (upon approval)!

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Transitions – Mental Health Association is a leading non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive mental health services and support to individuals and families by inspiring hope, growth, recovery and wellness in our communities.  TMHA has decades of experience with teams of compassionate staff. TMHA is a driving force in improving mental health and wellness in our communities and a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions. 

MISSION STATEMENT:

Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Disseminate information on VA benefits and services and aid individuals in obtaining information on these benefits. 

2. Provide information on other governmental programs determined beneficial to veterans. 

3. Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication.

4. All other duties as assigned by the Vet Well Team Clinical Program Administrator.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. 

2. Daily and frequent documentation of client services on the computer.

3. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

4. Involves moderate risks that require safety precautions and the risk of exposure to potentially intense situations.  

5. Typical workweek is daytime, Monday to Friday, up to 20 hours/week; schedules developed in collaboration with all teammates and management staff to ensure maximum support for clients while offering flexibility for school schedule. 

Requirements

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate is a Veteran or a family member of a Veteran and has some understanding of the unique needs and challenges that may arise when working with a Veteran population. The ideal candidate has work experience and knowledge of resources for veterans. This position would be ideal for someone pursuing a degree linked to social work or psychology. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Are enrolled in a college degree, vocational, or professional program at 3/4 or full time. 

2. Must be receiving educational benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montogomery GI Bill-Active Duty, Veterans Educational Assistance Program, Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve, Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship, Veteran Readiness & Employment Program, National Call to Service. 

3. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. 

4. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral/written and communication skills.  

5. Well defined organizational and time management skills. 

6. Ability to work independently and flexibly.

7. Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level.

8. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health.

9. Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace.

10. Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction. 

11. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees.

12. Ability to mindfully promote equality and respect diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all of the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

13. Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.

14. Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity. 

15. Conditions of employment include: 

· Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, at least 2 years driving experience and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize reliable personal vehicle and auto insurance.  

· Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.  

· Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Seeing

2. Hearing

3. Speaking

4. Stooping/Bending

5. Moving around office

6. Moving between offices/clients

7. Driving

8. Climbing

9. Lifting/carrying heavy items

10. Computer use

11. Pushing/pulling/dragging items

12. Standing for long periods

13. Working outside

14. Using hands/fingers