Veterans Outreach Program Specialist

The Veterans Outreach Program Specialist serves as the principal outreach staff member for Military Reserve and National Guard members returning from the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND). The nature of the job requires travel throughout an assigned geographical area away from the Vet Center. This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-11. At the lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level. The incumbent will have an office at the Vet Center; however, it is expected that a major portion of the services provided will be conducted away from the office, in the offices of other agencies, in "nontraditional" settings, and in military, reserve, and National Guard facilities. The nature of the job requires travel throughout an assigned geographical area away from the Vet Center. Duties: Providing information, explanation of services, support, and connection to a variety of individuals of various educational, environmental, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, regarding benefits and eligibility to VHA, RCS, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Developing, managing, and distributing outreach materials to include brochures, presentations, flyers, fact sheets, web content, and other targeted information which highlights Vet Center services and locations as well as the combat Veteran experience. Creating presentations and materials with information in the appropriate format to allow the Veteran and/or Service Members, their families and representative to understand the information they are receiving. Serving as a community liaison representing the Vet Center with organizations to include but not limited to Veterans Service Organizations, community groups, and others whose interest is in helping and protecting Veterans, their families, and their representatives. Collaborating closely with Vet Center direct service providers, helps initiate client referrals, and follows-up to ensure client needs are being met timely. Collaborating participating in the planning, coordinating, and executing of a variety of outreach events. Preparing documentation of contacts, client visits, and administrative activities in accordance with program guidelines and policies. Driving either a Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) or a Mobile Vet Center Mobile Vet Center to perform outreach services on a daily basis. Each Mobile Vet Center may be up to 40 feet long. Setting up and closing the Mobile Vet Center for operation, i.e., leveling the Mobile Vet Center, checking communications systems, electrical systems, etc. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Available on an ad-hoc basis Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Veterans Outreach Program Specialist/PD76029A and PD76028A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Physical Requirements: An elevated level of physical energy is necessary as the incumbent is expected to meet with many people in a course of a workday. The incumbent is responsible for driving a GOV or MVC to mobile work site, setting up the work site to meet clients-GOV may entail setting up furniture (chairs and small table), lifting boxes with literature (Vet Center pamphlets, community resources or VA programs), and establishing computer access (via laptop or other government owned equipment) to present outreach services for a given day or outreach event. Driving the MVC requires incumbent to use moderate physical effort in operating hand and foot controls. Occasionally incumbent handles objects weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) while loading and unloading the MVC work site.