Veteran Initiatives Unit Community Liaison

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary :

The Behavioral Health and Justice Division( BHJD) of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) employs Veterans Community Liaison who perform essential coordination between the community, veterans, and BHJD. The Veteran Initiatives Unit Community Liaison acts as a vital link between the community and various support systems, including the VA community organizations and healthcare providers . Their role is to facilitate access to benefits, services and resources, ensuring veterans receive the support they need as they transition to civilian life or navigate existing challenges . The Veteran Initiatives Unit Community Liaison will focus on building strong relationships within the veteran community and with partner organizations to ensure seamless access to care and support services. The liaison utilizes data-driven strategies and outreach efforts to improve the effectiveness of veteran outreach initiatives and facilitate referral s to appropriate services .

The Veteran Initiatives Unit Community Liaison provides supportive services to Veterans by assessing their need for treatment, support, and assistance with social determinants of health. This position requires special focus on the unique needs of Veterans by assisting them to navigate the intersecting complexities of behavioral health, Veterans support resources, community resources and justice system involvement for those facing criminal matters. The position will also assist DBHIDS to implement a comprehensive strategic plan designed to help all seven divisions to better identify and serve all Philadelphia Veterans with behavioral health needs .

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Work closely with the Veteran Initiatives Unit (VIU) Manager to provide supportive services to those Veterans referred to the Department through Philadelphia Veterans Court and other referral sources .
• Evaluating veterans to determine their needs, connect them with appropriate resources , and coordinate care with relevant agencies both in the behavioral health and Veteran’ s Administration network.
• Conduct targeted outreach initiatives to identify and engage veterans and their families, particularly those facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues (including PTSD) , or difficulty transitioning back into civilian life. This might involve participating in community events, workshops, or outreach drives .
• Cultivating and maintaining strong connections with local veteran organizations, government agencies (like the VA) , healthcare providers, community groups, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and available resources
• Provide opportunities for individuals receiving services to direct their own recovery and inspire hope that recovery is not only possible but probable ; teach and support acquiring and utilizing skills needed in the person ’ s recovery.
• Assist Veterans by helping them to understand their benefits and entitlements and to utilize those to their best advantage
• Maintaining accurate records of interactions, referrals , and outreach activities to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Maintaining accurate records of interactions, referrals , and outreach activities to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Providing education and training to staff and community partners on veteran-specific issues, advocating for the needs of veterans within the organization and the community, and representing the organization at relevant events and meetings .
• Along with the VTU Manager, provide training on Veterans and behavioral health, including Crisis Intervention Team training for the Philadelphia Police Department, training for the seven divisions of D BHID S and other training opportunities as assigned.

Skills Required :

Must be a Veteran with knowledge and experience in working with Veterans resources . Must have good verbal and written communication skills and work well with people without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law. Must have good, creative problem- solving skills . Be able to work independently and as a team leader. Be flexible and adaptive in handling changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment; must be able to use computers to record services . Preference given for prior experience working in with criminal court or in a criminal justice environment.

Education and Experience :

Highschool Diploma / GED, Associate Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Human Service or related field preferred. Fulfilment of first military contract with honorable discharge required. Must have 3 years demonstrated experience in working to support Veterans . Experience supporting justice involved. Veterans preferred and a strong community relation.

Physical Demands :

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in office space - reaching file cabinets, fax and copier machines when necessary. Must be able to sit for up to 2 hours looking at a computer monitor and using a keyboard and mouse to perform data entry functions . Able to travel locally via public transportation and on foot from 1 60 1 Market Street to 1 1 0 1 Market Street, CBH, and various other destinations as needed.

Essential Functions :

Valid driver ’ s license and use of personal licensed and insured vehicle during work hours or the ability to use public transportation. Attend Veterans Court weekly. Attend CIT classes to work with the Philadelphia Police Officers at the Academy. Ability to effectively utilize computers , databases, and related common office software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to pass all required background checks .

Equal Opportunity Employment :

PMHCC, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity. It is our policy to support equal employment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual preferences, age, national origin, disability, behavioral health status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Americans with Disabilities Act :

Employees as well as applicants who are currently, or become disabled, must be able to perform the functions of the job with either reasonable accommodation or unaided. PMHCC, Inc. will examine reasonable accommodations on a case by case basis in accordance with the law.