Nevada Cares Campus - Diversion & Intake Specialist

About Us

We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid professional employees dedicated to helping those we serve. We provide compassionate care today for flourishing communities tomorrow. Founded locally in 1911, VOA Northern California & Northern Nevada is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, delivering a broad range of community-based services that transform lives while meeting immediate needs of families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

Our Mission

VOA puts faith into action by providing compassionate human services to empower individuals and strengthen communities. VOA aspires to create a world in which every person lives a life of emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, filled with hope across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

About the Role

VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a Diversion & Intake Specialist position for our Nevada Cares Campus. This is a full-time overnight, 4X10 position from 8:30 PM - 7:00 AM the following day. The Nevada Cares Campus offers a safe place and a way forward for men and women experiencing homelessness in the Reno area. In partnership with Washoe County, the Nevada Cares Campus provides emergency shelter for up to 600 adult individuals and couples. Clients can bring their pets and possessions with them as they access support services and case management.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate, monitor, and organize intake assessments using the Coordinated Entry process to determine guest eligibility in meeting the program’s requirements.
• Provide triage, diversion, and assessment services that lead to potential connections with housing and service resources.
• Responsible for all areas of Diversion tactics and requirements to achieve maximum potential outcomes and objectives.
• Conduct assessments to ensure diversion tactics and services are best utilized.
• Assist potential participants in locating housing options to prevent any episodes of homelessness when safe and appropriate options are available.
• Act as a liaison between individuals experiencing housing crises and outside agencies.
• Identify potential partnerships with community agencies.
• Ensure all data, including diversion outcomes, are tracked in the desired database.
• Verify and document eligibility of programs when applicable.
• Utilize trauma-informed care methods, motivational interviewing, and other best practices.
• Perform other program-related duties as assigned.
• Complete all shelter intakes according to HMIS standards.
• Complete shelter intakes for overflow.
• Enter all necessary participant information into HMIS promptly.
• Coordinate and schedule appointments for participants as appropriate.
• Scan and upload documents to digital programs.
• Orient participants on shelter policies, rules, rights, and responsibilities.
• Coordinate assessment of personal supplies and space for participants, pets, and storage.
• Maintain positive interactions with participants, staff, and partner agencies.
• Develop an ongoing interview schedule and process for daily intakes of new guests.
• Participate in VOA, Washoe County, and outside training sessions.
• Provide other documentation as required by the funding source and/or VOA.
• Document and report all participant concerns and/or infractions that can affect the program’s security.
• Notify the Shelter Director where applicable.
• Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
• Notify management of potential workflow problems and resources needed to attain performance standards.
• Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.
• Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
• Model positive behavior to help participants as they work towards self-sufficiency.
• Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

Requirements

• A High School Diploma or equivalent is required; advanced education is preferred.
• Three (3) years of working experience in social services is preferred.
• Experience working with the homeless population is preferred.
• Working knowledge of HMIS is highly desired.
• Demonstrated ability in record-keeping, good written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of problems unique to women, minorities, persons with disabilities, substance abuse and recovery, low-income, and the general homeless population.
• CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment.
• Must be flexible to work irregular hours and be willing to function as a team member.
• Valid Nevada driver’s license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines required.
• Must undergo a criminal background check.

Skills

• Oral and written communication skills
• Computer skills, including Excel and Word
• Ability to assist other people
• Organizational skills
• Analytical and decision-making ability

Physical Requirements

• Lift and move up to 40 pounds
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
• Climb stairs regularly
• Kneel occasionally

Benefits

Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

Pay

USD $21.74 per hour

Schedule

Full-time overnight, 4X10 position from 8:30 PM - 7:00 AM the following day.