Work Study: Veteran Advocate
Summary
A part-time, non-clinical student role assisting veterans by researching and connecting them to benefits and community resources in a mental health support program.
POSITION TITLE: Work Study: Veteran Advocate
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Veteran’s Wellness Program (VetWell)/ San Luis Obispo
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Veterans Wellness Program (VetWell) provides support to veterans and dependents who are managing mental health challenges, trauma, relationship concerns, and co-occurring disorders. Through therapy, group support, and case management, the program serves individuals in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County while promoting resilience, recovery, and personal growth. The VetWell team values professional and cultural humility, self-reflection, and a commitment to providing high-quality care.
The Veteran Advocate Work-Study position is available to students receiving education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In this non-clinical role, the student supports the program by researching veteran-specific benefits and community resources and identifying programs that may assist veterans. The advocate compiles and shares this information with the program’s Case Manager, helping connect veterans to resources while operating within a strictly non-clinical role.
HOURS/ SALARY:
Part-Time, non-exempt position. Up to 20 hours per week. Anticipated hiring range is $16.90. Includes a variety of helpful employee perks as well. (*Full Salary Schedule $16.90 per hour)
Please Note: This is a VA Work-Study position. The selected participant will be paid directly by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with the VA Work-Study Program.
EMPLOYEE PERKS:
A few of our helpful employee benefits include membership discounts to various local fitness centers. We offer years of service gift cards to businesses of your choice. We offer gift cards for walking, biking, or carpooling to work as well as 20% discount for shopping at our Growing Grounds Downtown Store/Nursey/ Farm. We host two employee appreciation events for employees and their families yearly. We practice Trauma Informed Care Principles, Guidelines for Collaborative Conversations, and encourage the use of pronouns. We mindfully promote equality, respect and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the fascinating characteristics that make us different! TMHA is also a pet friendly workplace (upon approval)!
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Transitions – Mental Health Association is a leading non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive mental health services and support to individuals and families by inspiring hope, growth, recovery and wellness in our communities. TMHA has decades of experience with teams of compassionate staff. TMHA is a driving force in improving mental health and wellness in our communities and a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
1. Disseminate information on VA benefits and services and aid individuals in obtaining information on these benefits.
2. Provide information on other governmental programs determined beneficial to veterans.
3. Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication.
4. All other duties as assigned by the Vet Well Team Clinical Program Administrator.
JOB ENVIRONMENT:
1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
2. Daily and frequent documentation of client services on the computer.
3. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
4. Involves moderate risks that require safety precautions and the risk of exposure to potentially intense situations.
5. Typical workweek is daytime, Monday to Friday, up to 20 hours/week; schedules developed in collaboration with all teammates and management staff to ensure maximum support for clients while offering flexibility for school schedule.