Coordinated Entry - Diversion Specialist Case Manager (20 hours) (69008)

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas in Durham, NC is seeking a Diversion Specialist Case Manager to provide housing-focused case management through centralized intake, with minimal supervision to promote long-term housing stabilization. You will assess housing options, navigate subsidy processes, and coordinate with HMIS and community partners.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a human services field; a Master’s degree is preferred, and at least two years of experience in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• At least two years of professional experience in mediation, case management, counseling, and crisis intervention.
• Experience with homeless or at‑risk populations.
• Community organizing experience is a plus.
• Ability to use client-centered or motivational interviewing approach.

Responsibilities

• 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 tenancy
• Ensure that participants who appear eligible expeditiously complete the housing subsidy application process
• Authorize payments in accordance with the procedures established by the program office.
• Enter and maintain appropriate data in HMIS
• Work 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.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Case management

HMIS knowledge

Confidentiality

Data collection

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Master's degree preferred

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 tenancy
• Ensure that participants who appear eligible expeditiously complete the housing subsidy application process
• Authorize payments in accordance with the procedures established by the program office.
• Enter and maintain appropriate data in HMIS
• Work 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.

Qualifications

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 residence
• Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle (on occasion, may be required to transport clients in personal vehicle)
• May be required to drive a van
• Acceptable Criminal background check, OIG Exclusion check
• Negative Drug Screening
• CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed

Physical Requirements

• 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.