The Whole Child is actively recruiting for a Housing Program – Diversion Specialist

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:  The Diversion Specialist provides shelter diversion services aimed to quickly house families and avoid the need to enter emergency shelter. This individual will meet with families in the field to identify solutions and alternative housing arrangements that quickly resolve the family’s housing crisis through a combination of direct service and financial assistance. A commitment to Housing First principles, trauma informed practices, strong integrity, and the ability to work quickly to problem solve under pressure are key qualities for this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Work in partnership with outreach and community providers to connect with unsheltered families in need of diversion services and resolve housing barriers
  • Embrace Housing First principles and participate in programming that promotes those principals
  • Ability to travel throughout specific cities in SPA 7 to meet with clients where they are residing
  • Provide resource referral and follow-up assistance to families experiencing unsheltered homelessness
  • Act as an advocate and liaison between families, support services, landlords, and involved community agencies; maintain ongoing communication with other providers as needed
  • Conduct an intake with each family and work to create an individualized service plan based on identified goals
  • Review and actively monitor families in making progress toward meeting identified goals
  • Assist families to creatively identify solutions and alternate housing arrangements that quickly resolves their housing crisis
  • Assess the financial situation of families and their need for supportive services such as employment assistance, budgeting, and/or credit repair
  • Provide support for families as necessary to secure safe and stable housing, providing financial assistance where necessary
  • Conduct referrals to ensure wrap-around case management for a family once they are housed
  • Accurately document and track all financial assistance
  • Maintain accurate and confidential guest records and electronic files in database systems
  • Maintain accurate and timely statistics and documentation to meet program goals and contractual requirements
  • Participate in regular staff meetings
  • Embrace the TWC’s Housing Program mission of empowering homeless families and adhere to staff guidelines as outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Skills/Qualifications Required

  • College degree in social services or related field; or equivalent experience working in shelter, social services, or case management
  • Experience working in a shelter setting or with homeless population strongly desired
  • Basic knowledge of Housing First principles
  • Demonstrated problem solving, conflict mediation, and crisis management skills
  • Ability to manage agency funds with discretion and accuracy
  • Demonstrated ability to understand funder requirements and the importance of accurate and timely data collection/entry
  • Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner and as part of a team
  • Access to reliable transportation, valid driver’s license vehicle insurance that meets Washington State’s minimum guidelines, and the ability and willingness to travel throughout various cities in SPA 7.

Job Type: Full-time

What we offer:

A competitive salary and an above average benefits package:

  • Medical* plan choice of HMO plans or PPO plan
  • Dental* plan choice of HMO or PPO
  • Vision Plan
  • 401K – $ for $ match up to 4%
  • Supplemental Insurances
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D
  • Pet Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 12 Holidays
  • PTO of 15 days per year that increases per policy

*HMO plans are at no cost to the employee