OUTREACH SPECIALIST - Cameron County : Job Details

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

(GRANT-FUNDED)

SALARY: $ 35,000.00 per year

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY: Under general direction, administers and coordinates the activities of the County Veterans' Services Office as provided by federal, state and local regulations; and performs related work as required. Serves as a resource for veterans by taking part of events and programs within the community, while also promoting the program. Cultivate relations with government entities such as Texas Workforce and major local employers to seek opportunities, promote veteran employment and hiring. Create relationships with local post-secondary entities and their programs of study. Check eligibility requirements in order to facilitate resources towards the obtainment of employment or education. Will provide information in regards to benefits and procedures that must be followed to receive such benefits. Responsible for administering and coordinating the day-to-day activities of the County's Veterans' Services Office. These responsibilities acting as a liaison with veterans' groups and local, state, and national organizations; advising and assisting veterans regarding rights and benefits provided under federal, state, and local laws.

SECTION II-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Promoting the program and its services to the community;
• Serving as a resource for the veteran community by participating in events and programs, such as the Military Transition Assistance Program, Armed Forces Day booths, Veterans Organizations, and seminars;
• Acting as advocate and mentor to veteran participants;
• Providing information to veterans about the benefits their entitled to, as well as, the necessary procedures that must be followed to receive them;
• Develop relations with government entities such as Texas Workforce and mayor local employers to seek opportunities, promote veteran employment and hiring
• Develop relations with local post-secondary entities and their programs of study
• Check eligibility requirements in order to facilitate resources towards the obtainment of employment or education (Ex. Certification requirement, interview attire)
• Guidance for veterans regarding the full array of benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as, non-VA benefits available through other organizations concerned with veterans; and
• Explaining to veterans the types of documents necessary to facilitate timely processing of claims and aid in obtaining and completing such documentation.
• To develop departmental goals and objectives while being able to foresee possible outcomes of such determinations.

SECTION III-JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: (State the minimum requirements for formal education.) Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, or related fields or Two year experience working directly with VBA/VHA.

EXPERIENCE: (State the minimum requirements for the job related experience.) Two (2) year clerical experience: six (6) months of full time experience in reception/clerical work. Military experience in administration can be substituted for the clerical and experience requirement

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (As utilized in the performance of the Essential Functions of the job.) ; Knowledge of computer skills and ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish; Knowledge of general office duties and some knowledge of business terminology, spelling, grammar, arithmetic, office practices and procedures. Maintains confidentiality of work. Ability to understand federal laws, rules and regulations as they apply to Veterans benefits; Knowledge of the laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures relating to governmental assistance for veterans; ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; supervisory and organizational skills; interviewing and case management techniques; sensitivity to veterans' problems; ability to work with veterans, veterans administration officials, other veterans related agencies and organizations, and the general public; ability to work independently; willingness to attend any required training, seminars, conferences, meetings, hearings, etc.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Special Licenses and other requirements necessary to obtain or retain the position.) Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas Driving Laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency. Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION IV-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS: (Nature of contacts, external relationships, and internal relationships.)

EXTERNAL CONTACTS: Occasional contact with other health, social and educational care agencies, outside organizations. Frequent contact with clinic clientele. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS: Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with County Personnel. Communicating is primarily face to face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY: (Supervision given accountability, safety, budgeting, spending authority and confidentiality.) Comply with Cameron County and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY: (Judgement, initiative, and decision-making.)Judgment is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the Immediate Supervisor or designee. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE: (Supervising received and level of independence.)As assigned by Immediate Supervisor or designee. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with their Immediate Supervisor or designee.

WORKING CONDITIONS: (Describe working environment and other conditions of employment.) Working conditions are primarily in a clinic, office, or community center.

BENEFITS: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER