As the Strong Gray line continues, we are finding an increased need for classmate care coordination efforts. From classmates in financial need to those needing connection to mental health services, and those trying to navigate the VA system. This new program will require a Care Coordination Manager to oversee volunteer Care Coordinators who will utilize the Unite Us platform to provide warm hand-offs to the required care agencies in the Veteran's local area. These Care Coordinators will then follow up at pre-determined intervals to ensure that care is provided, and the Veteran's needs are met. In this program, Clients (classmates, and as we develop, we plan to expand to other classes), will reach out via contact form on our website, social media, or private messaging with a need. The Triage Team will connect with the Veteran within 12 hours. Triage team will collect basic demographics, and conduct needs assessment and file will be passed to the Care Coordination Manager who will assess the file and provide feedback to the triage team with additional resources outside of the Unite Us platform. Care Coordination team will reach out to any agencies that a referral is put in with to ensure a warm hand-off for each client. Care Coordination team will maintain contact with the Veteran o ensure hand off is successful and that Veteran immediate needs are met. The team will then follow up at 72 hours, seven days, 14 days, and 1 month post hand off to ensure that client needs are met. All staff will receive a series of trainings to prepare them for their roles including Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), VA SAVE, Psych Armor Veteran and Military Proficiency Trainings, Peer Ethics, Confidentiality, and Boundaries, and Mental Health First Aid for Veterans. The Care Coordination Manager will be a paid position that will answer to the Operations Manager and provide quarterly updates to the Board of Directors on services provided.
