Shelter Diversion Specialist

Diversion Specialist

Reports to

Job Role:

Director of Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing

FLSA:
Exempt

Employee Factor: 40

R/S/T/O/I:
Regular

Level: Team Member

The Diversion Specialist is responsible for managing the shelter diversion services for single adults and families who are referred for homeless services at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter (ERCS). The Diversion Specialist provides services to stabilize households in their current housing or help them move into new housing without entering the emergency shelter system or otherwise experiencing homelessness. The Diversion Specialist provides support to help households resolve their immediate housing crisis and access ongoing sources of support in the community to remain housed.

The Diversion Specialist must possess a patient, trauma-informed approach to service delivery using an equity lens. The Diversion Specialist ensures that services are equitable and delivered with integrity in accordance with the Agency Mission, Vision, and Values. A candidate that is bilingual in English/Spanish is essential. A candidate with the ability to use one's lived personal experience of housing instability to help assess system barriers is a plus.

• Manages referrals from Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) to provide shelter diversion services for individuals and families.
• Assists households in identifying a safe alternative to entering emergency shelter or the experience of unsheltered homelessness.
• Identifies which, if any, unmet need will help the household secure safe alternative to shelter or unsheltered homelessness.
• Engages household in a focused problem‑solving conversation and connection to supports.
• Connects household to services including financial assistance (security or utility deposits, utility payments, and moving cost assistance), short- or medium‑term rental assistance, housing search and placement, landlord–tenant mediation, and case management to ensure household is referred to person‑centered support services.
• Refers individuals to the Housing Locator, when appropriate, for housing search and placement.
• Documents all diversion efforts prior to referring a program participant to shelter or the street outreach program.
• Maintains effective partnerships with Fairfax County Office to Prevention and End Homelessness (OPEH), the Fairfax County Health Department, the Fairfax County Community Services Board (CSB), Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), Department of Family Services (DFS), the Fairfax County Department of Adult and Aging, and Veteran’s Administration (VA) to ensure clients receive holistic, integrated care management across Cornerstones.
• Participates in all agency and county meetings regarding intake procedures and services.
• Attends team meetings, site meetings, and required agency meetings and trainings.
• Uses automated technology including HMIS and hard copy files to maintain, update, and report on case data, goal attainment, and outcomes in a timely manner.
• Works flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable human services field or commensurate experience with homeless and/or at‑risk populations. Master’s Degree preferred.
• MSW plus two years post‑Master’s degree a plus.
• Bi‑lingual in English/Spanish.
• Two years of experience in homeless services, residential services, and/or housing is required.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals including people with mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities is required.
• Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” and “Rapid Re‑Housing” philosophy and strategies.
• Knowledge of current homelessness strategies and priorities (Trauma‑Informed Care, Housing First, Equity) essential.
• Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities as well as “strengths based” case management.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to engage and work collaboratively with others.
• Excellent computer skills including…