Shelter Diversion Specialist
Position Title | Shelter Diversion Specialist |
Reports To | Associate Director of Housing |
FLSA Status | Non-Exempt |
Summary |
The goal of shelter diversion is to end someone’s experience of homelessness as quickly as possible while empowering them to regain control over their situation. This limits the trauma of homelessness on the individual or family and keeps limited shelter beds available for those most in need. The goal of the Shelter Diversion Pilot is to build a network of well-trained diversion experts who are supported by system-level
infrastructure that includes management, training, and access to funds.
Shelter diversion is an intensive, short-term intervention that elevates creative problem solving and conflict resolution to empower people experiencing a housing crisis to find an immediate alternative to shelter and return to more stable housing. Through a strengths-based conversation, facilitated by a diversion specialist, individuals and families seeking shelter are supported in identifying immediate alternate housing arrangements and, if necessary, connections with services and financial assistance. Shelter diversion does not act as a barrier to shelter.
The Diversion Specialist is a seasoned case manager who provides intensive short-term case management for clients placed in emergency shelter. Case management includes linkage and coordination with other agencies, identifying barriers to housing stability, client engagement and goal planning, and mediation with the focus on temporary or permanent housing stability outside of the homeless services system. The Diversion Specialist must enter relevant data into both the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and AWARDS in accordance with agency and project protocols. In addition, the Diversion Specialist is responsible for fostering a safe and trauma-informed environment, must be flexible and creative, and must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. |
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: |
Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.
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REQUIRED SKILLS: |
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: | |
Education/Experience |
A minimum of 2 years of case management experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or individuals with a history of trauma is required
Bachelors’ degree in Psychology, Social Work, Social Justice, or a related social service field is required. An equivalent combination of professional experience and life experience will also be considered. |
Certificates/Licenses |
CPR and Narcan Certification will be required within 30 days of employment.
Valid Driver’s License required. |
If interested, please fill out the application form on our Careers page.