Job description

POSITION TITLE: Diversion Specialist – Housing Services
EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY: Full-time, non-exempt
LOCATIONS: Lompoc

POSITION SUMMARY: The Diversion Specialist (DS) will work closely with community partners to quickly support people who are at imminent risk of homelessness or who are initially attempting to access shelter by helping them quickly regain stability in their current housing or in other permanent housing and focus on empowering persons in crisis to begin regaining control over their situation and lives.

The DS will spend considerable time with clients in immediate need to assess their situation, connect them with family support when available, provide housing search and placement services, secure flexible financial assistance, and connect the client with other mainstream services as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Connecting clients with the appropriate services and resources will enable them to remain housed permanently.

• Meeting with clients to perform the initial screening to assess appropriate service suggestions; create case management plan.
• Facilitate setting appointments for referrals and /or services that will quickly regain housing stability, other permanent housing, or quickly divert individuals out of the shelter system.
• Assist clients with other needed services including but not limited to housing search and placement services, secure flexible financial assistance, CalFresh benefits, health and behavioral health care, early childhood development and education, CalWORKS, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social

Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

• Act as a liaison between individuals/families experiencing a housing crisis with the agencies providing supportive services, landlords, and other partner agencies. The DS will make referrals to partner agencies and track outcomes related to these diversion activities.
• Enter, update, and maintain data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), track and report progress to management.
• Maintain accurate daily records, reports, and files for each client.
• Create and sustain community partnerships to ensure mainstream resources are being utilized by households.
• Identify and establish partnerships with local landlords.
• Attends meetings as directed in representation of the agency
• Complete general clerical duties including but not limited to answering phones, photocopying, scanning, filing, mail management, office organization, etc.
• Assists other staff with client and program related duties
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Affects other duties as may be assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must have experience working respectfully with people in crisis who may have multiple complex needs including but not limited to domestic violence, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health, poverty, disability, and homelessness.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to assist clients and employer.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, housing opportunities and programs for homeless individuals, and other social services.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with diverse groups and community representatives.
• Data collection and reporting skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm and sensitive demeanor in stressful situations.
• Motivational interviewing and Stages of Change, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Trauma Informed Care
• Crisis de-escalation skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, and handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to maintain detailed, organized records.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint,

Publisher, etc.).

• Proficiency in operating a variety of modern office equipment including copiers, computers, and printers

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Minimum of one year of relevant experience.

• Knowledge of, and passion for, local housing and poverty issues in Santa Barbara County.

COMPETENCIES

Oral Communications: Must have the ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
Listens well and obtains clarification with others to enable accurate communications with clients and staff.

Problem Solving: Must be able to identify and resolve problems in an effective and timely manner. Has the ability to focus on solving conflict not blaming; always keeps emotions under control.

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional client situations.
Diversity: Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural and individual differences Ethics: Treats all people, clients, and staff fairly, equally and with respect.

Judgment: Has ability to show sound judgment in decision making process and includes the appropriate individuals throughout the process.

Safety and Security: Follows agency protocol and policy and procedures at all times; reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, you may need to sit up to 80% of the time; carry/transport office supplies, equipment, and retention file boxes; move within the office and other locations; drive a vehicle; and lift and or move up to 25 pounds.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, client logs and procedure manuals. Ability to write and use a computer to create routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to groups of clients and employees of the organization.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must have a valid California Driver's License and provide a clean driving record. Must be able to successfully complete the agency hiring process, i.e., pass pre-employment drug testing according to Federal Guidelines, background check and agency provided CPR/First Aid Certification; TB testing is required.

Reports to: Lompoc Homeless & Housing Program Director

Good Samaritan Shelter is a non-profit, community-based organization and depends on every staff member doing what needs to be done to serve the community and clients. On occasion, you may be asked to perform job duties outside of your normal assignments on an as-needed basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's license (Required)

Work Location: Multiple Locations

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