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

Position Overview

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 and promoting long‑term housing stabilization.

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 the client may stay in the current housing environment or has other short‑term housing options.
• 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 information to determine other housing options that might avoid shelter placement.
• For programmatic options, gather required documentation and refer the 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 project staff, DSS, and other government and community agencies toward meeting program and client services plan goals and objectives.
• Provide linkage, follow‑up, facilitation, and transportation to clients as needed to assist with obtaining housing.
• Prepare proposals, reports, and statistics for submission as needed or required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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 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 principles and practices of case management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of available community resources.
• Knowledge of current homeless and housing issues and methods/approaches to address them.
• Ability to analyze case information and reach sound decisions based on that information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use HMIS, establish and maintain case records, and 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.

Additional Requirements

• Personal vehicle may be required for company business; must meet Agency MVR guidelines.
• Valid driver’s license in the jurisdiction of residence.
• Vehicle liability coverage if driving personal vehicle; occasional use of a van may be required.
• Acceptable criminal background check and OIG exclusion check.
• Negative drug screening.
• CPR/First Aid certification must be acquired and maintained once employed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, consumers, and program supplies as necessary.
• 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.
• Ability to operate office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.
• Ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Occasional ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Impact

• Helps provide a safe and supportive environment for clients in need of outreach, homeless, and housing services.
• Assists in placing and maintaining 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, regulations, and funding source requirements.
• Maintains compliance with the program model.