Combat Stress Recovery Specialist - Wounded Warrior Project - Pittsburgh, PA

The Combat Stress Recovery Specialist position is designed to provide ongoing support and expertise to wounded warriors dealing with invisible injuries through comprehensive assessment, planning, implementation and overall evaluation of individual warrior needs. The overall goal of the position is to enhance the quality of a warrior’s readjustment and life satisfaction, to promote goal setting for reintegration, and encourage mental wellness through appropriate internal referrals and external resources. The individual has accountability for tracking the warrior’s progress while he or she is enrolled in the Combat Stress Recovery Program (CSR). The position is accountable to the Combat Stress Recovery Manager.

On at least a quarterly basis, the CSR Specialist will work with the Project Odyssey Coordinator to organize a Project Odyssey for warriors dealing with combat stress in his or her region. Project Odyssey is an outdoor recreational program that allows warrior to challenge themselves physically while in a supportive environment that will include the, Combat Stress Recovery Specialist, the Project Odyssey Coordinator, a Wounded Warrior Project Peer Mentor, and a volunteer licensed mental health professional.

Following a Project Odyssey, the Specialist is responsible for following the warriors for up to 90 days. During this time the Specialist will assist the warrior in identifying and achieving personal goals.

Coordinate the integration of support resources to help the warrior achieve his or her readjustment goals with other WWP programs and services, external service organizations, agencies and healthcare facilities

Conduct routine outreach and assessment using specific criteria identified by WWP

Acts as warrior advocate: investigates and reports adverse occurrences

Promote effective and efficient utilization of clinical resources

Mobilizes resources, as needed, to achieve expected warrior goal within the desired timeframe

Complete expanded assessment for attendance of Project Odyssey

Conduct a screening interview to determine appropriateness for Project Odyssey attendance or referral to another program

Assess warrior’s progress in pursuit of goals

Refers cases where warriors and/or family would benefit from counseling or long term support

Enhances a collaborative relationship to maximize the warrior’s ability to make informed decisions

Collaborate with combat stress recovery program manager in development and execution of continued care and achievement of goals

Complete additional training/certifications as dictated by position requirements

Participate in highly physical adventure learning activities including but not limited to, high and low ropes courses, water sports, hiking, climbing, and horseback riding

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent communication skills including above-average electronic communication skills to stay connected with the rest of the team

Team player with both Project Odyssey Coordinator and the entire WWP staff

Self-motivated, positive, outgoing, personable and able to relate well with diverse populations and age groups

Demonstrated commitment to the organization and able to timely complete required assignments

Excellent verbal and written skills

Ability to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure

Ability to generate big-picture content and program structure

Military culture competency

High level of proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs, especially MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint

Knowledge of web-based communication tools, including social networks and online chat programs

Education & Experience Requirements

Master’s degree required, preferably in a social work, psychology or a related healthcare field and minimum of two (2) years of experience of working with military and veteran’s population or military service-related MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) and assisting military or veteran populations required.

OR

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a social work, psychology or a related healthcare field with a minimum of four (4) years of experience of working with military and veteran’s population or military service-related MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) and assisting military or veteran populations.

Prefer two (2) years of experience assisting military or veteran populations in support of development and readjustment. Critical to have working knowledge of military and veteran issues, particularly with Iraq and Afghanistan military and veterans.