Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist jobs in Colchester, VT

Description

Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) is a leading organization in the NEK addressing poverty through education, community collaborations, and community action. We believe in each individual’s potential for positive growth and change.

PROGRAM: Outreach 

HRS PER WK / WKS PER YR: 40 / 52 

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt / Permanent / Full-Time 

BENEFIT PACKAGE: Yes

All NEKCA staff contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

NEKCA Mission Statement

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper and thrive.

Join the NEKCA team to experience the many benefits that we offer including:

Health care coverage 

Dental care coverage 

Vision coverage 

Life/Short Term Disability/AD&D 

Retirement Plan  

Vacation  

Sick time off 

Paid holidays 

Employee Assistance Program 

The Outreach & Coordinated Entry Specialist is responsible for completing housing screening and assessments for the local coordinated entry partnership. Receives and manages referrals to the lead agency for the coordinated entry assessment, triages all situations to help meet urgent needs to ensure the safety of clients, administers the coordinated entry assessment tool with clients, and makes referrals to the appropriate program(s)/projects(s) internal to NEKCA or at partner agencies. Screens for eligibility and follows up on referrals. Identify barriers that prevent the household getting or keeping stable housing. Maintain and create relationships with agencies affiliated with coordinated entry. Ability to learn new data entry systems and maintain client records. Participate in meetings with community partners and the state to advocate for the Northeast Kingdom.  

• Explain agency purpose and programs; explain the coordinated entry process.
• Have knowledge of other state and federal programs as well as local community resources.
• Attend phone and in-person coordinated entry meetings.
• Support the coordinated referral process of the local Continuum of Care.
• Maintain coordinated entry recipient records, including HMIS database records, for reporting needs and to support the coordinated entry referral process.
• Report back to coordinated entry referral partners (e.g., Economic Services Division) the results of their referrals.
• Complete housing screens and assessments with clients over the phone, at a scheduled time in the office or offsite, as needed. Reach out to for clients/applicants that are unable to come into the office.
• Verify information obtained (through documentation, reaching out to other service providers, landlords, etc.); research and support documentation to screen effectively for eligibility and referrals. Document ineligibility, when appropriate, in files. Triage urgent client needs, such as shelter and food, first.
• Follow all appropriate safety protocols to screen for domestic/sexual violence and make appropriate referrals. Work to ensure client safety is never compromised.
• Always maintain confidentiality in compliance with federal and state laws (including HIPAA and 42cfrPart2).
• Explain release of information process to all clients and gather releases before sharing personal or health information.
• Ensure that services are provided in a manner that is nondiscriminatory, provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities, and provides interpretation services as needed.

Requirements

• Must comply with NEKCA policies if hired.
• Staff will be required to authorize and pass NEKCA’s criminal record check process
• Valid driver’s license, registered, insured, and reliable vehicle required
• BA in human services or related field 
• Experience working with vulnerable populations with considerable crisis triage background
• Exceptional computer skills required 
• Superior Communication skills, with a focus on direct and honest feedback
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects at one time
• Demonstrate ability to take initiative and work without direct supervision
• High level of understanding of area resources and systematic barriers
• A high level of understanding of self-care while working with very challenging situations

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NEKCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Provider

Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged. Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself. 

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process may call 802-334-7316 or email at jobs@nekcavt.org.

All employees are subject to a 6-month Trial Service Period.