Veteran's Outreach Coordinator - UCLA Health - Los Angeles, CA

• Serve as a liaison for veterans, their families, and veterans groups with the each of the program components of the Operation Mend Program or related program under the KCCMM


• Familiarizing local LA based veteran organizations to the services that Operation Mend Program offers local eligible veterans and their families.


• Familiarizing nationally based veteran organizations to the services that Operation Mend Program offers eligible post 9/11 veterans and their families residing outside the Los Angeles area.


• Contacting post 9-11 veterans as they return to Los Angeles, informing them and their families of the KCCMM and Operation Mend resources available


• Serving as a recruiter for the Operation Mend Program by working with local families and veterans in need of specialty care


• Serving as a “veteran face” of the RKCCMM and the Operation Mend Program by offering insight, encouragement and daily recruitment of veterans in need of services

EDUCATION

• Hosting information sessions and speaking at meetings to educate others about the many issues facing veterans and families suffering from both visible and invisible wounds of war


• Helping to educate veterans and families about PTS/TBI and following up as needed with individual families

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ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION

• Provide regular and detailed feedback to UCLA doctors and administrators on progress and challenges in recruiting eligible veterans and finding opportunities for improvement to more effectively reach this population.


• Working with the Clinical staff in the Operation Mend Program around case management of patients and monitoring patient needs.


• On-going patient and family contact to facilitate treatment and follow up


• Identify resources outside of UCLA for needs of patients and families for referral. These resources may include legal, housing, education, or employment. Fiscal Responsibility: Responsible for prudent fiscal management of program resources (e.g. supplies, telephones, etc.) and management of outreach project budgets.

PATIENT NAVIGATION

.* When needed, personally accompanying veterans to UCLA and working with patient navigators, volunteers, and other members of the care team, to keep appointments so they can continue the journey to recovery.

Job Qualifications

• Ability to travel throughout the greater Los Angeles area as needed to meet with veterans, families and veterans groups. Some evening/weekend appointments required. * Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively and positively interact in person, by telephone, e-mail, on web to veterans and their families in large group or small settings * Ability to inspire, educate, and recruit military veterans and their families who need support with physical injuries, PTS and TBI to come into the Operation Mend program for evaluation and treatment and ongoing care. * Initiative; self-starter. Ability to find innovative ways to reach and effectively help others * Relentless dedication, high energy and flexibility * Ability to listen and manage stressful situations and respond calmly and professionally in a safe, secure and reassuring manner * Knowledge, skills and ability to assess patient/family needs for services * Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patients and families and staff * Ability to advocate/negotiate systems within UCLA and outside of UCLA for/with patients * Desire to assist and ensure veterans with physical injuries, PTS, and/or TBI and their families receive the services they need and deserve * Ability to provide useful advice to KCCMM leadership and Operation Mend’s Program leaders and administrators on new, innovative, and more effective methods for outreach to veterans and their families who could benefit from services offered through Operation Mend and KCCMM programs.

Bachelor’s Degree Strongly preferred

• Minimum of 3 years military experience


• Service in Iraq or Afghanistan


• Familiarity with PTS/TBI issues and the challenges veterans and their families face


• Excellent organizational and communication skills – speaking, listening and writing.


• Be hardworking, trustworthy, respectful, flexible and team oriented.


• Effective public speaker


• Strong collaborative, customer service and advocacy skills


• Knowledge of Military Structure and Culture


• Knowledge of the Veterans Administration


• Knowledge of community services and resources available to veterans and their families


• Some medical knowledge a plus, but not required


• Must have an honorable discharge (DD214 required)


• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Access.


• Ability to work in a complex, fast-paced, changing environment


• Skilled in keeping accurate and timely records.


• Ability to work effectively and closely with other members of the team.


• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.


• Normal office conditions. Will require travel wherever needed to represent UCLA, The KCCMM, and Operation Mend’s services. Must be able to provide own transportation for travel throughout greater Los Angeles. May require attendance at meetings outside of regularly scheduled hours.


• Experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds.


• Ability to work independently and report to supervisor on a regular basis and in a timely manner.


• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.


• Skilled in management of time and setting priorities.


• Ability and willingness to take direction


• Ability to follow University Policy and Procedures


• Bilingual Preferred