Assessment & Diversion Specialist

Family Gateway
Published
July 13, 2022
Location
1421 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas
Category
Job Type

Description

Family Gateway Diversion Specialist is responsible to explore all possible options with each family and consider creative solutions to solve their current housing crisis.  This staff person will utilize his/her resources in the community and reach out to outside communities to identify possible housing options to successfully divert families from shelter and into alternative housing options.

 

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

  • Maintain paperwork and records of assessments and diversions in real time or within 5 business days of appointment.
  • Answer helpline calls, complete triage screening and provide appropriate resources.
  • Develop comprehensive housing plans with each family which should include clear action steps for each party to follow-up
  • Screen clients for appropriate program within agency and/or refer clients to appropriate resources when an agency intervention is needed.
  • Work effectively with populations that have experienced vulnerability, trauma, economic poverty, incarceration, substance use, developmental delays, compromised mental wellness, brain injuries, literacy and numeracy issues, and/or, other conditions or situations that have impacted housing stability.
  • Act in a positive, solution-focused manner to achieve objectives with service users, remembering that our service is to those experiencing the trauma of homelessness
  • Motivate and organize self to complete tasks with service users, often in non-therapeutic environments.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.
  • Return all phone calls within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Assist clients with independent housing searches.
  • Identify other needed services and make referrals as appropriate;
  • Keep and maintain up to date knowledge base of community resources that may benefit client.
  • Use motivational interviewing and strengths-based questions to help families uncover solutions to end their homelessness.
  • Check county and national court records for criminal history, sexual offender and warrant status.
  • Attend Family Gateway meetings as relevant to the position of Diversion Specialist.
  • Engage effectively and constructively with Supervisor to make program refinements in the best interests of the client.
  • Provide periodic back up to Assessment & Diversion staff/front desk receptionist during absences or vacancies.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

 

SUPVERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:    ____ Yes __X___ No

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Computer skills and data entry required; sharp attention to detail
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Must work well under pressure with clients who are in various states of emotional distress
  • Must be flexible and able to multi-task
  • Bi-lingual
  • Social work, customer service or other human services background required
  • Experience working with populations that have experienced trauma or crisis is desired

 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This is a full-time and it is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Work hours are on Sundays- Thursdays 10a.m.-7p.m.  Applicants should be able to work in a cooperative team atmosphere, function smoothly under stress, and possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

May be sitting for long periods of time.

Application Instructions

Submit resume and cover letter to rgarcia@familygateway.org

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