Thursday, February 11, 2010

Intake Specialist, Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennylvania - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 2/11/10

Mission: Veterans Leadership Program (VLP) of Western Pennsylvania provides essential housing, employment, and other vital supportive services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families to improve self-sufficiency, sustainability, and quality of life.

Description: The Intake Specialist will act as the immediate one-on-one support person for clients when they first come to VLP in search of assistance. They wll be responsible for providing an initial assessment of client needs, briefing clients on pertinent programs within the organization and throughout the region’s social service support network, enrolling clients into the appropriate VLP program(s), and refering clients to other VLP staff and/or additional support agencies. Recordkeeping is also an important part of the position--keeping client and agency files accurate, up-to-date, and in order is a critical function.

The ideal candidate will be an energetic, empathetic, non-judgemental and creative problem solver who enjoys educating & working with clients.

Requirements:
·Positive attitude with effective oral and written communications skills are a must.
·Computer literate: familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Word) and relationship management database software.
·Bachelors Degree or related experience in field.
·Act 33 and Act 34 Clearances.
·Experience with recovery (drug & alcohol) programs.
·Previous experience working in human services, particularly with persons who are homeless, is preferred.
·Veteran with honorable discharge is preferred.
·Candidate must be able to work both independently and as a team player. Our core values matter: Respect, Professionalism, Humility, Integrity, Honesty, Courtesy, “Great”, Reliable, Sense of Urgency, Mission, Performance, Responsibility, Accountability, Teamwork, Learning, Discipline, Dependable, Open, Transparent, No Judgment.
We also believe that Achievement is the result of Preparation, Hard Work, and Constantly Raising the Bar as we challenge ourselves, each other, and our clients in a positive, success-oriented, creative atmosphere that values continual improvement.
·Candidate must be sincere and passionate about their work with Veterans. We believe that while there are many great needs and worthy causes in our community, there is no more important, meaningful, or purposeful work than serving our nation’s Veterans.

Responsibilities:
·Provide comprehensive needs assessment and mentoring services to each client.
·Write client background summaries and referral documentation.
·Assist in the preparation and presentation of a variety of topics at weekly group client meetings. Examples of topics may include: Job searching techniques, Sharpening your interviewing skills, Professional dress and etiquette, Anger management on the job, Financial literacy, Job hunting with a criminal record, etc.
·Complete reports in an accurate, thorough, and timely fashion.
·Maintain clear and up-to-date progress notes for each client.
·Coordinate with other VLP staff to conduct outreach activities throughout the regional community.
·Represent the Agency at public forums and community events.
·Other duties may arise and be assigned by the Program Director.

TO APPLY: Email resume and a paragraph summarizing why you are the right person for this important position to romaina@vlpwpa.org. No telephone calls please.

VLP is an equal opportunity employer.

Please mention that you heard about this opportunity from Dewey & Kaye Jobs Watch in your cover letter when applying for this position.

The Dewey & Kaye division of McCrory & McDowell LLC provides strategy development, planning, financial sustainability, facilitation, training and executive search services to help nonprofits, foundations, community collaboratives and government agencies address strategic, operational and administrative issues.

Founded in 1951, McCrory & McDowell LLC today ranks as one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the region, offering a wide range of services through distinct, but integrated groups that include Dewey & Kaye, Diversified Medical Management, Three Rivers Institute, and McCrory & McDowell's accounting, tax, and business consulting practices.