At Heartland Family Service, we are committed to building a culture that is trauma informed and values and celebrates diversity and inclusion. We believe this allows for better service delivery and innovation, as it encourages our employees to bring various experiences and uniqueness to the workplace.

Trauma Informed Care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives. Trauma Informed Care also acknowledges the effects of working with trauma survivors on our workforce, and seeks to build collaborative and supportive working environments and relationships.

If you believe in our mission of creating healthy families and communities, and like a fast pace, collaborative and team oriented environment, then Heartland Family Service is the agency for you.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This Diversion Specialist will work in the Heartland Homeless Diversion program providing planning services to individuals who are facing homelessness. The program provides triage, diversion from homelessness and assessment services that lead to potential connections with housing and service resources. Services are provided through partnerships with emergency shelters, local jails, shelters, hospitals, and schools to develop and maintain a positive collaborative relationship with community providers to serve as an access point to the homeless system in the Douglas, Sarpy & Pottawattamie counties. Short-term support services are provided, including financial assistance, to individuals who are in need of ongoing supportive services to maintain housing.

Intensive case management responsibilities begin at this level. Educational requirements are very specific. Decision making, problem solving, and highly developed interpersonal skills are critical. This position requires high level of social work skills, practice, and knowledge.

Compensation range: $19.74 to $25.69 (per hour), based upon experience.
Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Provide triage and diversion services to individuals who walk-in attempting to access services.
• Follow up with all referrals received from our community partners within the appropriate time frame to provide diversion services.
• Assist clients in locating housing options to prevent any episode(s) of homelessness when safe, appropriate, alternative options are available. Assist in accessing shelter and navigation services or street outreach services to those who are unable to identify a safe housing option to prevent homelessness.
• Ensure that all data, including diversion outcomes, is entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) following diversion assessment
• Assess eligibility for enrollment in the Homeless Diversion program for those in need of ongoing services or financial assistance.
• Responsible for verifying and documenting the eligibility of applicants and maintaining comprehensive, accurate service records for all approved or denied clients
• Complete a comprehensive assessment and assist the clients in identification of strengths, needs, and goals. Monitor and evaluate program participant progress.
• Assist individuals and families in locating, obtaining, and retaining suitable housing though housing search and placement services
• Provide housing stability services related to meeting the housing needs of program participants and helping them obtain housing stability.
• Assist program participants with critical skills related to household budgeting, money management and resolving personal credit issues.
• Provides problem solving and crisis intervention services to empower clients to develop self-sufficiency.
• Work is completed in client homes, homeless shelters, office space, and other non-traditional settings. Ensure safety and security measures for in-home/outreach services are followed.
• Travel is required, included use of personal vehicle.
• Ensure required information is collected, entered into prescribed formats, and reported in a timely manner – as outlined by federal funding and internal reporting guidelines.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current community and Heartland Family Service programs and resources to meet client needs.
• Demonstrates ability to help clients effectively by utilizing community resources to obtain self-sufficiency.
• Participate in weekly case reviews of diversion cases with team members and supervisor
• Submit requests for financial assistance in accordance with agency policy
• Attend collaboration meetings with emergency shelters and other collaborative partners
• Assist the Housing Navigation team to identify and locate clients
• Utilizes trauma-informed care, person centered and culturally competent principles in providing services to clients.
• Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of community service providers on an ongoing basis to ensure clients are receiving quality care.
• Can work both independently, with little supervision, and as a part of a team.
• Able to establish regularity and dependability in scheduling all appointments and accuracy in reports and statistics.
• Displays a courteous and caring attitude, at all times, to the clientele, volunteers, and visitors of the Agency.
• Abides by all specific program and Agency procedures, policies, and requirements.
• Cooperates and collaborates with program area staff, volunteers, and other Agency staff.
• Able to evaluate program services and make recommendations.
• Develops personal and program related skills through participation in internal and external training opportunities including printed material and audio and/or visual media.
• Can develop positive working relationships with clients, referral sources, service agencies, landlords, and others encountered in the course of work.
• Creates, maintains, and shares, as appropriate, a dynamic self-care plan.
• Strives to make connections between the agency and the larger community whenever possible to contribute to the agency’s ongoing fundraising and friend-raising efforts.
• Performs other program related duties as assigned.

• DENOTES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and two years’ experience
• Master’s degree and no experience
• Valid Drivers License and acceptable driving record

Preferred

Preferred