From:                              SSVF

Sent:                               Friday, June 24, 2016 12:57 PM

Subject:                          SSVF Program Update June 24, 2016

Attachments:                 Quarterly Certification.pdf

 

Importance:                   High

 

Topics:

 

1.     SSVF National Webinar on July 21, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

2.     SOAR Training Study

3.     Quarterly Certification Due July 20, 2016

4.     SSVF Participant Surveys

 

SSVF National Webinar on July 21, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

 

Topic:  SSVF Homelessness Prevention Screener

 

The SSVF National Grantee Webinar will review the revised Homelessness Prevention Screener.  VA has been working with our Technical Assistance providers to develop a standard screening tool to better support our assessment of risk factors and their connection to homelessness.  The presentation will include an overview of the revisions to the tool and will provide tips for planning its use within the program.  The Screener will be required for all grantees beginning on October 1, 2016 but it will also be available for immediate use.  Please register here:

 

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6130524268500540161

 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

 

SOAR Training Study

 

In May 2016, Frontiers in Public Health published an evaluation of the SOAR online training model, which assessed SOAR Online Course usage from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015. The study focused on the unique integration of a practice SSI/SSDI application into the training and the support provided by local and state SOAR leads.  The evaluation, SOAR Online Course Increases Capacity for Assisting Individuals with Disabilities in the US, was co-authored by Kristin Lupfer, SOAR TA Center Director, and Jen Elder, National Policy and Partnerships Coordinator, both of Policy Research Associates, Inc.   The study found that successful course completions were most concentrated in areas that had local SOAR leaders, trainees through the online course had higher data entry rates for case outcomes in the SOAR Online Application Tracking system, and that trainees reported a high satisfaction rate with the course and comprehensive feedback provided. The evaluation included data mapping of course enrollments, completions, and locations of SOAR leads

 

Quarterly Certification Due July 20, 2016

 

The SSVF Program Office no longer requires Quarterly Narrative and Financial Report submissions.  In place of this reporting grantees are expected to complete a Quarterly Certification.  The next certification will cover the time period of 04/01/2016 to 06/30/2016 (note: Q3).  The certification covers multiple SSVF program requirements including: compliance with the final rule, grant agreement, data quality criteria, staff training, and fiscal management.  A PDF version of the requirement form is attached for your awareness (please do not submit this PDF to the Program Office).    Submissions are due no later than July 20, 2016 via the GIFTS grants management system.  The requirement should be active on or around July 1, 2016.

 

 

SSVF Participant Satisfactions Surveys

 

Reminder:  Grantees should electronically distribute the survey to participants within 30 days of the participant's EXIT from the program, using a customized weblink provided by VA survey vendor, M. Davis and Company (MDAC).

 

If your grantee Point of Contact has not received the survey weblink or you have questions regarding the process, please contact MDAC at 215-790-8900 ext. 132 or vassvf@mdavisco.com

 

To review the National Webinar PowerPoint presentation from the March 17th on our website please visit:  http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/home/.

 

 

Thank you,

 

SSVF Program Office

 

NOTE:  If you are receiving this email in error, please disregard.  We request your patience as the SSVF Program Office continues to address system issues with the grants management database.