Summary
VA offers a wide array of special programs and initiatives specifically designed to help homeless veterans live as self-sufficiently and independently as possible. VA's major homeless-specific programs constitute the largest integrated network of homeless treatment and assistance service throughout the country.
Duties
Typical duties include, but are not limited to: Housing programs administered by the Secretary for Veterans Affairs and the housing program for veterans supported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, and education benefits programs administered by the Secretary under 38 USC or any other provision of the law. The homeless veterans' reintegration program of the Department of Labor under section 2021 of 38 USC (Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs); The programs under section 2033 of 38 USC (Additional services at certain locations). The assessments required by section 2034 of 38 USC (Coordination with other agencies and organizations). Establishing linkages with Social Security, Income Maintenance, Federal Housing Administration, State Department of Veterans Affairs, community housing programs, and State job services and assisting homeless veterans in applying for these programs. Referral for legal counseling and assistance. Referral through the team medical clinicians for needed medical and counseling services. Conducts comprehensive VA benefits and services briefings to groups of homeless veterans, who because of their economic, medical, or social problems have found it difficult, if not impossible, to request VA benefits and services. Uses a wide range of briefing techniques and communications skills to include psychological and motivational counseling during encounters with individual homeless veterans to encourage use of available VA benefits and services. When possible, will obtain the necessary information and complete a claim while the veteran and/or family member is present. In certain circumstances may monitor the claim to eliminate unnecessary delays in receiving needed evidence and to assure the claim is fully developed. Develops a network relationship with state and private veteran organizations, which broaden the scope of outreach. Speaks to individuals or groups or otherwise represents the agency on media programs involving matters of interest to veterans and their dependents. Conducts seminars, conferences, and other information dissemination activities. Serves as the CHALENG Point of Contact (POC) for CHALENG (Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups) for Veterans' Program in coordination with VA Medical Centers. Project CHALENG enhances coordinated services by bringing the VA together with community agencies and other federal, state, and local governments who provide services to the homeless to raise awareness of homeless veterans' needs and to plan to meet those needs. As CHALENG POC, participates in the annual Project CHALENG survey that asks for current perceptions of homeless veterans' needs, the degree of VA/community cooperation and collaboration in serving homeless veterans, and progress on local homeless veteran's program initiatives of both local VA staff and community participants (local government, service providers, formerly and currently homeless veterans). Coordinates the Regional Office participation in Stand Down. Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to provide services to homeless veterans. Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies that serve the homeless. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday, 07:30 a.m. 04:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). Tour will be determined after final selections. Tour is subject to change based on program needs. Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. The selectee is required to report to the official duty station each scheduled workday. Telework may be approved only on a case-by-case basis with supervisory approval. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized for this position. Position Description/PD#: Legal Administrative Specialist (Homeless Veteran Outreach Coordinator) / 41793A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit: Yes
Requirements
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the Agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the Agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Additional Conditions of Employment are as follows: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary or trial period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements I-9 Acceptable Documents. Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit. Note: You may submit unofficial transcripts when applying. However, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to provide an official transcript or a statement from the institution (e.g., from the registrar, dean, or other appropriate official) or equivalent documentation prior to the start date.
How you will be evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Reasoning Problem Solving Customer Service Reading Comprehension Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13032135 Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.