Veterans Case Manager

Applications must be submitted via Governmentjobs.com for consideration. https://governmentjobs.com/careers/douglascountywi 

The Veterans Case Manager provides comprehensive case management services to veterans facing complex challenges, including mental health, substance use, housing instability, and legal issues. This role involves conducting assessments, developing individualized service plans, and advocating for veterans' access to essential resources and benefits. The position requires strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses, community resources, and VA regulations, along with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Outreach, documentation, and collaboration with public and private agencies are also key components of this role.

Full-time; non-exempt; salary based on 1950 hours per year, 37.5 hours per week. 2025 wage scale Grade L - $28.68 - $31.00 per hour.

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties. 

• Conduct assessments to determine individual eligibility, needs, and motivation in order to present a realistic assessment of resources required to best assist the Veteran.
• Develop an individualized service plan that addresses mitigation of all barriers and culminate to a maximum practical degree, full employment, permanent housing, improved family functioning and family self-sufficiency.
• Provide assessment and case management to assigned Veteran cases regarding mental health and AODA substance use issues.
• Conduct direct interviews, provide counsel and make independent decisions to establish the needs of the Veteran
• Obtain necessary information to complete forms, asking pertinent questions and making assessment of immediate need for services and providing information and referral services as requested.
• Maintain case files and appropriate service documentation
• Veteran advocate ensuring appropriate mental and physical health is afforded to each client.
• Promote individual independence and self-worth to each and every client.
• Make collateral contacts with schools, law enforcement, family members, community resources, state and federal organizations
• Keep informed of important changes and issues which affect the population served including attending trainings and special meetings
• Promote good public relations and education through daily contacts
• Travel to the client’s location of need as necessary to accomplish intakes and follow-ups (i.e. jail, court hearing, homeless shelter, medical appointment, etc.)
• Actively work with Veterans who have significant barriers to include but not limited to legal barriers, jail or incarceration, homelessness, etc.
• Interview Veterans to determine individual status of mental and physical health.
• Provide claims representation to military veterans and their dependents regarding their legal rights and responsibilities in accordance with federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations found in Title 38 United States Code and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs found in Chapter 45 Wisconsin Statutes to include: advocacy, interviewing, advising and claims processing.
• Plan, support and occasionally conduct public outreach presentations and events under the supervision of the Veteran Service Officer.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field.
• One to two years’ related work experience preferred.
• Must have the ability to achieve National Service Organization Accreditation within 12 months of hire and must maintain accreditation with WI State and national veteran service organizations by means of annual recertification training.
• Valid driver's license with proof of insurance.

Preferred:

• Experience working with AODA/Mental Health clients
• Veteran or work in a military environment

Supplemental Information

Competency Areas

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, ensures understanding, and conveys information accurately.
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributes to group efforts, and fosters a cooperative and supportive work environment to achieve common goals.
• Takes responsibility for actions and decisions, follows through on commitments, and ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Takes proactive steps to address opportunities and challenges, shows a strong drive to achieve results, and goes above and beyond.
• Makes informed and timely decisions, evaluates options thoroughly, and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Demonstrates a strong desire to achieve goals, seeks continuous improvement, and strives for excellence in all endeavors.
• Identifies and addresses conflicts promptly, mediates disputes, and fosters a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrates a strong awareness of safety protocols, promotes a safe work environment, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
• Must be able to work with a variety of people in all aspects of the work and show tolerance for different perspectives, remains patient and open-minded, and fosters an inclusive environment.
• Possess knowledge of mental health diagnoses, symptomology, and Evidence-based practice treatments.
• Possess knowledge of the laws, policies, and administrative procedures of county social service programs.
• Possess knowledge of social and economic factors which influence family life.
• Possess knowledge of principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms.
• Possess knowledge of community and veteran resources available in support of mental health and AODA rehabilitation.
• Ability to develop and successfully manage case management plans.
• Ability to coordinate with public service and assistance programs.
• Possess interviewing techniques and problem-solving methodologies.
• Ability to recognize, react and deescalate combative situations.
• Proficiency in use of computers and ability to use designated software programs and/or to obtain proficiency.
• Ability to perform complex and specialized casework services with considerable independence.
• Ability to effectively and independently handle crisis situations.
• Ability to make presentations to management, public groups and various committees.
• Ability to recognize and effectively deal with hostile, aggressive, and/or abusive persons.
• Working knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization.

Working Conditions: Majority of work is performed in a secured office environment.  Normal work schedule is Monday through Friday during normal business hours under the supervision of the CVSO.  Occasional participation at public events conducted outside of normal working hours in various environments required.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee has the potential to encounter unpredictable and violent clients. The position has mostly an inside work environment where the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.  Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects weighting five to ten pounds.  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. May require field visits, sometimes in buildings that are not handicapped accessible. Requirements include driving a vehicle to and from appointments. 

Testing Requirements: Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. Structured interview, references, background investigation.