Wounded Warrior Project’s (WWP) combat stress recovery program (CSRP) is designed to provide ongoing support to wounded warriors dealing with invisible injuries through comprehensive assessment of warrior needs, planning, and implementation of resources to best address and support those warrior needs. The overall goal of the combat stress recovery program specialist is to enhance the quality of a warrior’s resiliency and psychological well-being through appropriate internal referrals and external resources. The position is responsible for tracking the warrior’s progress while he or she is enrolled in the combat stress recovery program as well as provide PTSD and combat stress related support to warriors engaged by other WWP teammates and programs.
The combat stress recovery program specialist works closely with the combat stress recovery program manager and coordinator in the planning, coordinating, and execution of Project Odysseys for warriors dealing with PTSD and combat stress. This includes, but is not limited to, location scouting/vetting; event planning including scheduling, activities, the preparation and revision of contracts, and coordination of warriors’ travel and logistics attending the event. Project Odyssey® is an outdoor experiential learning program that allows warriors to challenge themselves both physically and mentally while in a supportive environment.
The combat stress recovery program specialist may be responsible for designing evidence based programs (e.g., psycho-educational briefs) and participating with other WWP programs to assist warriors in identifying psychological triggers and providing potential coping skills that may assist warriors in overcoming mental well-being barriers to their successful reintegration into civilian life. The CSRP specialist may also serve as the subject matter expert and trainer for suicide prevention training, adventure-based learning, and couples programming. Additionally, this position may be responsible for the coordination and development of external training initiatives, and other related online programming.
- Assist in the coordination of support resources to assist warriors in the achievement of his or her readjustment goals with internal and external resources, programs, and agencies
- Conduct routine warrior outreach and needs assessment using specific criteria identified by Wounded Warrior Project
- Communicate and promote the use of relevant resources (both internal and external) to warriors
- Coordinate resources to empower warrior recovery and promote psychological well-being
- Assess warrior’s progress in pursuit of goals
- Provide external referrals to warriors, their families, and caregivers, who have been identified as possibly benefiting from counseling, peer group support, or other psychological services
- Develop and encourage a collaborative relationship with warriors to maximize the warrior’s ability to make informed decisions utilizing a warrior centric model within organizational parameters
- Collaborate with CSRP manager in the development and execution of continued care and optimize the potential for warriors’ goal achievement
- Plan, coordinate, execute, and participate in Project Odysseys. This includes the requirement to participate in highly physical, experiential learning activities (e.g., high and low ropes courses, water sports, hiking, climbing, and horseback riding).
- Complete warrior outreach assessment and the implementation of resources to meet warrior needs.
- Build relationships with external vendors, to assist in programmatic development, facilitating group activities, and providing constant support to Project Odyssey participants
- Be trained and certified to serve as an internal facilitator for education initiatives (e.g., SafeTALK, ASIST, Project Adventure, and other initiatives as developed)
- Conduct internal/external program briefs
- Develop psycho-educational material for internal and external workshops and briefings
- Develop and disseminate CSRP specific materials for other WWP teams
- Collaborate across all programs to increase alumni awareness of Project Odyssey, Continued Care, and other internal and external mental health resources
- Other related duties, as assigned
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills
- Self-motivated, positive, outgoing, personable and able to interact well with diverse populations and age groups
- High level of proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs (i.e., MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook and MS PowerPoint)
- Knowledge of web-based communication tools, including social networks and online chat programs (e.g., Skype)
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to take initiative and successfully multi-task
- Ability to work well under pressure with timely results delivered
- Ability to conceptualize, develop and implement organizational and programmatic material and content.
- Must be a team player
Education & Experience Requirements
- Working knowledge of military and veteran issues, particularly with PTSD and combat stress required
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with and assisting military and veteran’s population preferred
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience assisting military or veteran populations in support of development and readjustment preferred
- Must be able to travel between 25% - 50% of the time.