Shelter Diversion Specialist

Overview: The Shelter Diversion Specialist (SDS) will provide shelter diversion services to homeless families and/or families at risk of homelessness to secure safe alternatives to shelter. SDS conducts assessments and redirects families who are seeking immediate emergency shelter by assisting them to make alternative housing arrangements and/or connecting them with services and financial assistance to help families return to permanent housing. The SDS requires the ability to address the components of diversion and rapid re-housing such as advocacy and mediation services with landlords, housing authorities, and/or family support systems. The SDS will work primarily at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office(s) in Greater Boston as well as in the field and at the Heading Home Main Office.

Responsibilities:

• Using Motivational Interviewing and a collaborative approach to best screen and determine the immediate client concerns and/or barriers to housing including, but not limited to financial, legal, mental health, substance abuse, safely, employment, health care and housekeeping.
• Assist clients with applications for RAFT, HomeBASE, and all other applicable financial assistance programs.
• Assists clients with housing search activities including but not limited to, finding housing opportunities, contacting prospective landlords and/or management companies, application support, accompanying clients to view and apply for units, attending appointments at housing agencies, lease negotiations and other search activities as they present.
• Assists client with move-in transition supports including but not limited to; furniture and furnishings assistance, budget support, and other resources and services as needed.
• Provide and/or connect families with advocacy and mediation services to help sustain housing with landlords, housing authorities, and/or family support systems.
• Documents all interactions with clients utilizing appropriate reporting mechanisms, including web-based data collection systems.
• Develops partnerships and collaborative relationships with internal and external service providers to ensure client receives comprehensive services.
• Serves as liaison with Community based organizations, attends meetings with such organizations as needed.
• Maintain familiarity with relevant housing laws and regulations around Fair Housing and Landlord Tenant laws to assist in client advocacy as appropriate.
• Participates in all required training and professional development activities.
• Works collaboratively with Development staff to participate in volunteer activities as needed.
• Observes all program and agency rules and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Heading Home, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Work Environment

Cubicle space within large office building; prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer, ability to climb up to three floors of stairs, ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

• BA Degree in a related field; MA degree preferred.
• Bilingual preferred Spanish or Haitian Creole
• Three to five years of Housing Search and Case Management, preferred experience in Rapid Re-Housing and Homelessness Prevention.
• Experience with crisis intervention regarding issues such as homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse; housing barriers including legal, financial, psychological and criminal.
• Knowledge and experience with service agencies and resources for families experiencing homelessness.
• Willingness to accompany clients as needed to appointments.
• Willingness to work as part of a team to promote the goals of the agency.
• Sensitive to the needs of people experiencing homelessness, low income and diverse populations.
• Ability to work in a busy, diverse team setting.
• Excellent time management, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to independently meet with clients in the field.

The Shelter Diversion Specialist (SDS) will provide shelter diversion services to homeless families and/or families at risk of homelessness to secure safe alternatives to shelter. SDS conducts assessments and redirects families who are seeking immediate emergency shelter by assisting them to make alternative housing arrangements and/or connecting them with services and financial assistance to help families return to permanent housing. The SDS requires the ability to address the components of diversion and rapid re-housing such as advocacy and mediation services with landlords, housing authorities, and/or family support systems. The SDS will work primarily at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office(s) in Greater Boston as well as in the field and at the Heading Home Main Office.