Veteran Support Advocate, Harrisburg Veterans Village, Homeless Veteran Program

Description

The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is committed to eradicating homelessness amongst our veterans.

The Foundation is seeking an experienced Veteran Support Advocate to work collaboratively with the Program Staff serving Veterans who are homeless and/or at risk of homelessness and are now transitioning into permanent housing. This role involves providing individual and group support focused on self-help, reintegration, and empowerment tools in the community.

Requirements

• Assist participant Veterans in their transition back into the community by supporting their independence, personal growth, and use of self-directed tools for success.
• Help Veterans access and navigate community and internal resources.
• Provide individual and group support focused on self-help, reintegration, and empowerment.
• Observe behaviors that might indicate difficulty adapting (e.g., missed assessment appointments, failure to attend or maintain abstinent, risk to self or others, disruptive behavior), complete appropriate documentation, and report concerns to the supportive housing team in a timely manner.
• Maintain a visible and supportive presence within the facility by conducting routine walkthroughs, monitoring common areas, and tracking participant and guest activity to ensure a safe and respectful living environment.
• Monitor and problem-solve office and program participant issues independently/ collectively.
• Submit all program documentation promptly.
• Implement crisis management strategies when necessary to ensure safety.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including Case Managers, Veteran Services Licensed Clinician, and others, to coordinate care.
• Maintain accurate documentation of Veteran interactions and progress according to Foundation policies.
• Attend staff meetings and attend ongoing trainings.
• Collaborating closely with emergency services as required to de-escalate and respond to crises.
• Providing shift coverage as needed to ensure 24/7 facility operations, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of High School Diploma or GED (General Equivalency Diploma) required and two years’ experience in the social services or human services field.
• Strong organizational and design skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to multitask multiple projects.
• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including Behavioral health professionals, case managers, and community organizations.
• Candidates must successfully complete a two-week training program, which includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: Reducing Stigma, Mental Health First Aid, CPR/NARCAN Training, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office/ Google Suite (or equivalent).
• Veterans are encouraged to apply and contribute their valuable experience.
• Pre-employment screening, including a background check, is required.

*Application materials should include a résumé and cover letter.

*Required to work on site in Harrisburg, PA.

Working conditions

Special working conditions may include: a change in days worked, shift hours, and/or working conditions (outdoors or other locations) when participating and assisting in special events needed.

Proposed Schedule

To ensure 24/7 coverage of the building, Veteran Support Advocates will be assigned shifts that may fall on any day of the week—Monday through Sunday—and may include the following time slots:

• 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Holiday coverage will be compensated.