What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Diversion Specialist position at Housing Resources, Inc.?
Full-Time Position
Non-Exempt Hourly
Schedule:
Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm; Remote work is not available for this position.
BASIC PURPOSE:
The Diversion Specialist (DS) plays a pivotal role in ending an individual or family experience of homelessness as quickly as possible while empowering them to regain stability. The DS will assist in securing safe, appropriate options in the community avoiding or limiting an emergency shelter stay. This is done through short-term intervention focused at the point where housing has been lost, prior to or shortly following entry into emergency shelter. The DS supports the household by identifying immediate alternate housing arrangements.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Complete diversion assessments. Add program participants through the Coordinated Entry System (CES).Develop and maintain positive partnerships with landlords, and community partners.
- Assess client needs and develop individualized housing and success plans.
- Coordinate temporary and permanent rental subsidy/voucher management and complete unit inspections.
- Participate in assigned trainings including trauma informed care, and motivational interviewing.
- Meet with clients as required and assigned at the location of their choice to review their housing plan, needs, progress and determine actions needed to resolve barriers.
- Utilize a trauma-informed approach to engage clients with a focus on creating safety and transparency.
- Utilize motivation interviewing skills such as active listening, open-ended questions, empathy, and a focus on strengths and goals.
- Explore the household’s strengths, opportunities, and resources to move from crisis to empowerment, increasing confidence and ability to identify options to address the housing issues.
- Connect the household to other community resources.
- Communicate effectively and complete timely follow up with specific activities, responsible party, timelines, and expectations.
- Participate in case conferences and team meetings.
- Complete follow up with all households at 30, 60 and 90 days to determine their housing status, success, or barriers they may be experiencing.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation and records of all activities and services in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and/or other agency systems as assigned.
- Maintain an active knowledge of all HRI programs, including eligibility requirements and services available. Act as liaison between HRI and landlords throughout Kalamazoo County. Partner with Kalamazoo county organizations including human service providers and rental property owners to provide a collaborative effort for referral and supportive services.
- Acts as HRI agency expert on tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities, acting as a negotiator/mediator as necessary to facilitate positive relationships.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE:
MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
High School Diploma required. Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred.
and
Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management or homeless services required. Lived experience with homelessness or housing crisis preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Knowledge of community resources and services
- Strong organizational skills
- Proficient in Microsoft office and data entry computer skills
- Demonstrated positive customer service.
- Ability to coordinate the activities of others.
- Must maintain confidentiality.
- Possess a compassionate and professional manner.
- Professional work and punctuality habits
- Maintain a valid driver license with own personal and reliable transportation – this position requires the employee to meet with clients in the community during their scheduled work hours by driving their own vehicle. The county’s public transit system schedule does not support the timeliness of the work to be completed in the community. Therefore, personal reliable transportation is a requirement of this position.
