Diversion Specialist

About the role

We are looking for a Diversion Specialist to join our Homeless and Housing Support Services team. This role is responsible for providing engagement, assessment, conflict resolution, and diversion services to individuals and adult family households in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Respond to households seeking services within the next business day of referral to complete screening, assessment, and development of diversion plan or coordinate shelter placement.
• Follow-up on calls that are received after hours by the Homeless Information Line (HIL) and Montgomery County Crisis Center to provide diversion screening and diversion planning.
• Develop diversion planning including assessment of housing options within the household natural supports such as family, friends, and acquaintances, and attempt to divert from entering County homeless system.
• Assist households and collaborate with housing providers to complete unit applications which may include obtaining credit scores, completing criminal background checks, and addressing any other concerns.
• Support clients in the field, for short-term placements, for temporary housing assignments, for shelters, and/or assisting with housing placements.
• Provide ongoing case management services to caseload.
• Advocate on behalf of clients for needs, services, and support.
• Provide assistance with accessing resources, such as MANNA food donations, shelter, housing, financial entitlements, donation sites, DHHS, food stamps, Social Security, medical care, and other County resources.
• Care for clients' mental health support and ongoing care with therapists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, and hospitals, as needed.
• Provide or arrange transportation, as needed, to and from appointments, attending with clients when necessary.
• Ensure that households that are placed in hotels are assessed using approved assessment tools of the Coordinated Entry System (CES).
• Maintain records of client interactions, referrals, needs assessments, dispositions, and client paperwork, including internal tracking and electronic records.
• Document and track client interactions, related supports, and formulating observations into written needs assessments.
• Develop case plans, monitor progress, and reassess client needs and stage of change and enter clinical service plans, contact notes, and intake information in electronic health record database.
• Regularly update client data and profile to comply with reporting requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong Personal Resilience and Mental Health: Candidates must possess a high level of personal resilience and maintain stable mental health.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in any human services field including psychology, social work, or counseling OR at least three years of equivalent experience for candidates without a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: At least two years of professional work experience. At least one year of experience providing services to adult households experiencing housing instability and/or homelessness or one year experience providing successful case management services to an adult population who is low-income or unemployed with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to organize and prioritize. Experience with Microsoft Office platforms, electronic health systems, and accurate data entry skills.
• Abilities: Effectively interact and work collaboratively in a flexible work environment with a variety of constituents including clients, community members, property, landlord or leasing offices, family members, and peer providers. Ability to express ideas with clarity, confidence, and sensitivity. Must be able to maintain confidentiality involving clients in accordance with organizational and federal guidelines.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
• Employer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Matching Program
• 47+ Days of Leave (Vacation, Sick, Wellness, Holidays, Birthday & More!)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Bonus Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Sensible Caseload Management
• Professional Development & Growth Opportunities