Housing Diversion Specialist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Housing Diversion Specialist

Market Range:

MR15

Approved Date:

2/25/2021 9:39:32 AM

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

C3

Career Level Description:

Core Services Level 3

Job Code:

100425

Job Family:

Social Services

Sub Family:

Housing Services

Primary Purpose

The Housing Diversion Specialist engages clients who are experiencing a housing crisis and helps divert the identified clients from the homeless service system by assisting them in exploring alternative housing resources and by providing the clients with information, guidance and support. The general goal of this position is to reduce the number of people entering emergency shelters and homelessness by assisting them with homeless prevention services.  The Housing Division Specialist is an integral member of a multi-disciplinary, housing focused service team and services as the first point of contact, determining program eligibility.

•

Evaluates referrals from Coordination Entry System to connect ESG-eligible individuals meeting the “at risk of homeless” definitions to homeless prevention services; Works directly with individuals who are homeless or facing homelessness, either in person or by phone as necessary, to conduct assessments; Works closely with existing outreach agencies and activities in the community to facilitate the search for and placement of those experiencing homelessness into available housing programs and/or determine program eligibility for homeless prevention services; Provides advocacy, mediation and dispute resolution services with landlords, family or friends to secure or stabilize housing.

1

50%

•

Assesses personal safety in each interaction and undertake due diligence in maintaining personal safety with clients that may be experiencing an adverse life circumstance, trauma, and/or exceptional emotional response to homelessness or risk of homelessness; Ensures confidentiality at all times including client assessment information related to all relevant legislation

2

10%

•

Refers clients to community resources for services, such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply; provides counseling and information to individuals regarding additional community resources they may need and want; maintains required data and HMIS documentation on all cases, monitoring and evaluation of client progress with an organized working file, case notes and copies of all corresponding paperwork of client participation and progress towards goals and objectives.

3

15%

•

Conducts all business and work within federal, state, and county regulations, policies and procedures; Advocates for the mission of the organization and uphold the County's values.

4

5%

•

Participates sin Coordinated Assessment and Case Conferencing meetings to help bring issues to the attention of the team to help prioritize for housing opportunities; Attends training and meetings as assigned including, but not limited to, case management meetings, staff meetings, and meetings with other service providers in the community as required;

5

10%

•

Engage effectively and constructively with supervisor to handle client concerns/issues as needed. Provide recommendations for policy/procedural changes for case management.

6

10%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

C3

Career Level Description:

Core Services Level 3

•

Works to deliver day-to-day objectives that directly impact the achievement of results for the Work Group.

•

Work consists of tasks that are typically not routine.

•

Works independently under limited supervision, applying discretion when required.

•

Responsible for recommending adjustments to processes or systems that improve the effectiveness of the Work Group.

•

May be required to apply discretion within broad operational boundaries and procedures.

•

Communicates within and outside Work Group to obtain information or explain practices and policies.

•

Responsible for providing, guidance, coaching, and training to lower-level support employees.

•

Requires broad knowledge of operational systems and practices typically gained through extensive experience, technical training, and/or advanced education.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree

•

No specific experience required

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

2 Years

Work experience with case management services, housing, and homeless populations.

•

Health Services\LCSW- License Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Upon Hire

•

CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation

Within 60 Days

•

Excellent interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills required. Positive attitude and resiliency. Must be able to regularly interact effectively and empathically with all constituents of diverse backgrounds and in various states of tension. 

•

Excellent Initiative and ability to proactively identify challenges. Must have a solutions based approach to challenges. Must be able to manage and de-escalate problem situations successfully. 

•

Strong and timely data entry, management, and reporting skills. Excellent mathematical skills for data management and reporting. 

•

Strong administrative, adaptive and organizational skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to produce excellent and timely quality work is required. Ability to successfully multi-task, prioritize, or alter methodology in a fast paced and ever changing work environment. 

•

Excellent written and verbal Communication Skills required. Candidate must be able to consistently, regularly, effectively and clearly communicate with Samaritan House constituents of diverse backgrounds and in various arenas of business. The ability to present information in small or large group settings. 

•

Excellent initiative and ability to work independently and to successfully collaborate with teams. Resourceful and solutions-based approach to challenges ability to identify and resolve issues without direction when needed. Solutions based approach to all business.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Professionalism

Thinks carefully about the likely effects on others of one's words, actions, appearance, and mode of behavior. Selects the words or actions most likely to have the desired effect on the individual or group in question. Maintains calmness in stressful or adverse situations. Diplomatically handles challenging or tense interpersonal situations.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance products and services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Customer Service

Balances interests of a variety of clients, and readily readjusts priorities to respond effectively to pressing and changing demands for information, advice and assistance.  Anticipates and meets the needs of clients; achieves quality end products; and commits to continuous improvement of services.

Attention to Detail

Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.

Adaptability & Flexibility

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Team Leadership

Willingly cooperates and works collaboratively toward solutions that generally benefit all involved parties; works cooperatively with others to accomplish organizational objectives. Manages staff in ways that improve their ability to succeed on the job.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

Office Environment

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have an impact on the immediate work unit's operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X