Coordinated Entry - Diversion Specialist Case Manager (20 hours)

VOA Chesapeake and Carolinas; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

VOA Chesapeake and Carolinas seeks a Diversion Specialist Case Manager to operate in the Central Front Door CE unit in Durham, NC. You will conduct housing-focused assessments and coordinate options to divert clients from shelter while promoting stabilization.

You will collaborate with DSS and community agencies, maintain HMIS records, and assist with transportation and linkage to housing services to meet client goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services related field.
• Master's degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum two years of professional experience in mediation, case management, assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, and homeless services.

Responsibilities

• Provide housing-focused case management and comprehensive intake assessments to determine housing options.
• Return within 24 hours for client meetings when assigned.
• Submit housing locating, inspection requests, and collaborate with case managers when possible.
• Work with property managers/landlords to resolve tenancy issues.
• Maintain HMIS data and prepare reports for program goals and compliance.
• Provide linkage, follow-up, facilitation, and transportation to assist clients in obtaining housing.

Skills

Case management

Mediation

Crisis intervention

Assessment

Counseling

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HMIS

Job description

The Diversion Specialist Case Manager (DSCM) will work within the Centralized Intake process located in Durham, NC, with minimal supervision, to provide services on a variety of diverse cases. Case management services will be housing-focused providing comprehensive intake assessment to determine appropriate housing options, while diverting from shelter, promoting long term housing stabilization.PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:Participate as a member of the Central Front Door CE unit, attending meetings and updating information according to the established process (within HMIS).Meet with the client as assigned or within 24 hours.Complete comprehensive intake assessment, to determine if client may be able to stay in current housing environment or has other housing options for the short term. Assess what resources may be needed to support any viable short-term housing options.If the client has no existing short-term housing options, gather other information to determine what other housing options might be available to avoid placing client in shelter.For programmatic options gather required documentation and refer client to appropriate case management services or housing location services, as needed.Submit requests for locating housing and for inspections, with case manager collaboration when possible.Work with the property manager or current landlord to resolve issues relating to conditions of tenancyEnsure that participants who appear eligible expeditiously complete the housing subsidy application processAuthorize payments in accordance with the procedures established by the program office.Enter and maintain appropriate data in HMISWork in cooperation with the project staff, DSS and other government and community agencies toward meeting program and client services plans goals and objectives.Provides linkage, follow up, facilitation and transportation to clients as needed in order to assist with obtaining housing.Prepares proposals, reports, and statistics for submission as needed or required.Performs other duties as assigned.REQUIREMENTS:Graduation from an accredited four‐year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a human services related field.A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.At least two years of professional experience in mediation, conflict resolution, case management, assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention, and social work experience with the homeless and/or at‐risk populations.Community organizing experience is a plus.Ability to utilize a client-centered and/or motivational interviewing approach to working with clients.Knowledge, skills and abilities:Ability to work in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision.Ability and desire to engage at risk or homeless clients and develop trusting relationships.Knowledge of the principals and practices of case management.Demonstrates knowledge of available community resources.Knowledge of current homeless and housing issues and methods/approaches to address issues.Ability to analyze case information and to reach sound decisions on the basis of such information.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.Ability to use HMIS, establish and maintain case records and to facilitate data collection.Ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality of client information.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.Ability to schedule and manage workload sufficiently to meet deadlines.OTHER:This position requires driving your personal vehicle for company business. Must be privileged to drive according to the criteria set forth by Agency MVR guidelines.Valid driver’s license in jurisdiction of residenceVehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle)May be required to drive a vanAcceptable Criminal background check, OIG Exclusion checkNegative Drug ScreeningCPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employedPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment.Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.Occasionally, ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.EFFECTS ON END RESULTS:Helps provide a safe and supportive environment for clients in need of outreach, homeless and housing services. Helps place and maintain clients in permanent supportive housing.Ensures clients receive services that meet immediate needs and promote self-sufficiency.Maintains a positive image in the local and professional communities.Provides needed services for the clients and the community.Ensures compliance with agency, Federal, State and local laws and regulations and funding source requirements.Maintains compliance with program model.