Coordinated Entry Specialist (CAM)- 6 Months, Temporary

Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wayne Metro Lakeshore Office in Detroit, MI is seeking a compassionate housing case worker to support households experiencing homelessness. You will apply a trauma-informed approach, engaging clients to explore resources, divert from emergency shelter, and connect them with housing options and services.

Responsibilities include completing housing applications, assisting with Homeless Preference Housing Choice Voucher waitlists, documenting case notes in HMIS, and collaborating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of Detroit Continuum of Care and/or homeless services, or transferable skills.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to organize, plan, prioritize, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Flexible and team-oriented, pursuing common goals.
• Sound judgment and initiative to analyze and resolve problems.
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication in diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Engage households with a trauma-informed approach to create safety and transparency.
• Lead strengths-based conversations to identify resources and divert from emergency shelter.
• Assist with identifying alternative housing and connecting to services and financial assistance.
• Complete housing applications and pre-application for waitlists (e.g., HCV).
• Input data into HMIS and maintain accurate case files and documentation.
• Participate in workgroups, committees, and case conferences related to shelter and diversion.
• Collaborate effectively with staff and external partners to achieve housing stability.

Skills

Trauma-informed engagement

Excellent writing & oral communication

Organizational & time management

Collaborative teamwork

Problem solving & judgment

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Lakeshore Office - Detroit, MI 48202, Salary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 Hourly, Job Category: Supportive Housing & Homeless, Scope:

Essential Functions

• Utilize a trauma-informed approach to engagement focused on creating safety and transparency for households experiencing homelessness
• Facilitate strengths-based conversations with households that explore opportunities and identify resources to divert households from entering emergency shelter
• Assist individuals and families in identifying immediate alternate housing arrangements and, if necessary, connections with services and financial assistance
• Assess for and complete applicable housing applications with households, including pre-application for Homeless Preference Housing Choice Voucher waitlist
• Conduct progressive and comprehensive screening and assessment to ensure households are connected to relevant and appropriate services.
• Assist households in obtaining vital documents
• Connect individuals and families to mainstream benefits and other community resources that ultimately lead to safe, stable, sustainable and affordable housing
• Input data into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track household demographics, services provided, and housing outcomes
• Maintain complete and accurate case files, including case notes and required documentation
• Actively participate in workgroups, committees and case conferences related to emergency shelter and diversion
• Maintain a positive attitude towards assigned work, clients, and staff, and a willingness to work with others
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree OR a combination of education and experience that is similarly equivalent
• Working knowledge of Detroit Continuum of Care and/or homeless services is a must, or transferable skills required
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Ability to organize, plan, prioritize, meet deadlines, and work under pressure
• Flexible and committed to working as a team toward pursuit of common goals.
• Ability to use sound judgment and initiative to analyze and resolve problems.
• Effective listening skills and professional communication skills, both orally and in written form.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals in a diverse community.
• Demonstrate understanding of high-quality customer service.
• Deep commitment to ending homelessness and advancing racial equity, operating from a Housing First, low-barrier, and person-centered approach.

Minimum Competencies:

• Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel. The ability to learn and utilize statewide data collection processes necessary to programs for this position.
• Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
• Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies and procedures.

Licensing and Other Requirements:

• Valid identification and reliable transportation.
• Although the Covid-19 vaccination is no longer mandated, it is encouraged. Wayne Metro will always prioritize the safety of our staff and clients.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to various sites, which may include public meeting places as designated.

Work Hours:

• Available work schedules range in timeframes from Monday - Saturday, with specific hours to be determined by department needs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Clerical: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a hybrid (in-person and virtual) setting, in a professional environment. This is largely a sedentary role and the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, frequently use hands and to talk or hear.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.