Diversion Specialist

Description

Position Summary:

Person in this position will be the primary point of contact with individuals and families and provide screening and assistance locating housing, facilitating transportation, and providing temporary financial assistance and linkages to ensure clients return to permanent housing immediately. This will include arrangement, coordination, monitoring, and delivery of services related to meeting the housing needs of the clients and helping them access community services and obtain housing stability. Essential Job Functions include those listed below. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Receives referrals from community partners, walk-ins, and other collaborative partners.
• Conducts standardized screening for newly homeless individuals and families.
• Works in coordination with the FMCoC Access Sites and community’s homeless shelters to ensure seamless and integrated care for homeless families in Fresno/Madera Counties.
• Screens and immediately addresses safety concerns; families with identified safety concerns such as domestic violence will be immediately connected to a domestic violence shelter provider.
• Connects families to immediate supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, child care, employment, etc.
• Provide transportation assistance for the purposes of stabilizing the current housing crisis.
• Builds and maintains relationships with property owners/managers to secure units for leasing
• Meet with each client at least once weekly to provide support and assistance towards achieving each Individualized Service Plan
• Intake and assessment of incoming participants to determine eligibility and appropriate services;
• Make referrals and appointments with appropriate agency, services and/or case managers;
• Maintain client files according to company policy and contract requirements;
• Heavy documentation; HMIS data entry
• Provide daily, weekly and monthly reports as requested;
• Assist and monitor data collection and statistical reporting and complete Quality Improvement reports as requested;
• Maintain relationships with referring and supporting agencies and represent the agency at various community meetings as requested;
• Coordination of various services throughout several agencies;
• Attend scheduled meetings and presentations with referral agencies; and
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills;
• Two (2) years case management or counseling services preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to work with the underserved populations;
• Ability to conduct outreach, including street outreach
• Good computer skills;
• Good documentation skills;
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required;
• Be able to multi-task and make independent decisions; and
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an Annual Tuberculosis test.

Education:

• Graduation with a two-year degree in Psychology, Social Work, Community and Human Services or a related field is preferred; and
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting;
• Some travel is required; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

Salary : $23