Veterans Community Connector

The Veterans Community Navigator is a compassionate, community-focused role that supports and empowers veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Navigator will provide individualized case management, advocacy, and connection to resources and services. This position requires a deep understanding of veterans' unique challenges and a commitment to fostering stability, resilience, and community integration.

Veteran Support and Advocacy

• Create individual case consultations to support veterans with appropriate identified service providers to overcome barriers.
• Assist veterans by creating their "My Vac account" and filling out Veterans Affairs Forms.
• Conduct initial assessments/intake to identify veterans' needs, challenges, and goals.
• Develop personalized transition plans, including short- and long-term objectives.
• Provide ongoing case management, ensuring veterans receive consistent support and follow-up.
• Advocate on behalf of veterans with service providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Resource Navigation

• Connect veterans with housing, employment, healthcare, and mental health resources.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of community resources and services tailored to veterans.
• Collaborate with partners and agencies to enhance service delivery for veterans.

Community Engagement

• Build relationships with veterans' organizations, community groups, and service providers.
• Full participation with a developing Veteran Connectors 'Community of Practice' model to ensure the integration of services and supports offered are within the existing Coordinated Access Systems in each of the 3 designated communities (Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton).
• Participate in outreach initiatives to identify and support veterans in need.
• With endorsement of the Corps Officer(s)/Pastor(s), represent the organization at community events, meetings, conferences, and forums.

Program Development and Reporting

• Contribute to the development of programs and services that address gaps in veteran support.
• Track and document veteran progress, outcomes, and challenges.
• Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• In consultation with the Corps Officer(s)/ Pastor(s) or delegate, develop programs that meet the changing needs of those accessing services from The Salvation Army.
• Create and maintain a program plan that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Territorial Standards of Excellence (formerly Accreditation Standards) of The Salvation Army.

Education and Awareness

• Provide education and training to staff, community partners, and stakeholders on veterans' issues.
• Raise awareness about the unique needs of veterans in the community.
• Promote this program to veteran serving agencies to ensure that veterans who need assistance can benefit from this program and support. Examples include scheduling and conducting presentations for staff to increase awareness from various organizations.

Written and Verbal Communication

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and rapport.
• Develop and document options and recommendations to issues and problems.
• Support key stakeholders in understanding the implications of options and decisions.
• Keep written records in compliance with best practices, standards, and/or regulatory requirements.

Administration and Reporting

• Create and maintain list of reports as required by The Salvation Army.
• Maintain confidentiality of files and statistical records.
• Support external reporting requests as needed.
• Gather statistics as required.
• Completes administrative duties meeting reporting deadlines in accordance with program and organizational guidelines.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Enter the contacts with whom this position will primarily communicate.

Governance Boards and Councils:

Internal:

• The incumbent will become part of the staff team at The Salvation Army.

External:

• Upon endorsement of the corps officer(s), the incumbent may represent The Salvation Army on community boards and/or councils.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Corps Officer(s) and works closely with other program staff, community partners, and service providers.
• Direct reports for this position: None.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Ensure the program(s) and/or services remain within the established budget targets.
• Maintains good stewardship of financial resources to maximize program impact.
• Minimal material responsibilities.
• Uses or maintains organizational assets in accordance with established guidelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The typical working location for this position will be in an office environment.
• Working environment requires interaction with vulnerable individuals that could potentially be within a high-risk environment.
• Ability to work flexible shifts/some weekends.
• Some travel will be required - amount to be determined by the program needs.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent.
• Diploma in Social Services or a related field from a recognized educational institution.
• Class 5 driver's license, with a clean driver's abstract.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required, including Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector.
• First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Naloxone Training, or willingness to obtain.
• Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI), Mental Health First Aid, and ASSIST are considered an asset.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• 2+ years' experience in case management, community outreach, or working with vulnerable populations, particularly veterans.
• Deep understanding of the challenges faced by veterans, including PTSD, mental health issues, and reintegration.
• Knowledge of local and national resources available to veterans.
• Lived experience as a veteran.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Computer/Technology literacy in Office 365 suite, Link2Feed, and Hifis.

• Support for and an understanding of the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to self-manage and initiate tasks.
• Ability to think strategically and cast a compelling vision for veteran programs and services.
• Ability to work with individuals who present with addiction and/or mental health disorders.

NOTE: An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Interested applicants must respond in writing by January 29th, 2025 to:

Hiring Committee:

e-mail: SaintJohn.Recruitment@salvationarmy.ca

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS