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.

Submit resume and cover letter to rgarcia@familygateway.org