Our Place, Intake and Diversion

Our Place, Intake and Diversion Staff

Volunteer of America Northern California and Northern Nevada is recruiting for an Overnight Intake and Diversion Staff position at Our Place Shelter. This full‑time role operates Tuesday‑Saturday (10:00 PM‑6:00 AM) with a benefits package for employees working 30 or more hours a week.

Our Place Shelter is a housing‑focused emergency shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness. The shelter hosts 138 women, 38 families and 20 senior women, plus additional temporary housing during winter.

To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self‑worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and supportive services.

Located on a 20‑acre campus in [City], Our Place offers a welcome/intake center, dining hall, and clothing boutique.

The Intake and Diversion Staff facilitates, monitors, and organizes intake assessments using the Coordinated Entry process to determine guest eligibility, registers prospective guests, and coordinates their placement into the program.

• Provide triage, diversion, and assessment services to individuals accessing Our Place.
• Conduct assessments ensuring diversion tactics and services are best utilized.
• Assist participants in locating housing options to prevent episodes of homelessness.
• Liaise between individuals experiencing housing crises and outside agencies.
• Identify potential partnerships with community agencies.
• Track diversion outcomes and maintain accurate data in HMIS and other databases.
• Verify and document eligibility of programs.
• Apply trauma‑informed care methods, motivational interviewing, and best practices.
• Complete all shelter intakes in accordance with HMIS standards.
• Enter participant information into SharePoint and HMIS promptly.
• Coordinate and schedule appointments and service referrals for participants.
• Scan and upload documents to digital programs.
• Orient participants on shelter policies, rules, rights, and responsibilities.
• Assess personal supplies, space, and storage needs for participants, pets, and belongings.
• Maintain positive interactions with participants, staff, and partner agencies.
• Develop interview schedules and processes for daily intakes.
• Participate in training sessions, including those from VOA, Washoe County, and external partners.
• Document and report participant concerns or infractions; notify the Shelter Director as needed.
• Secure approvals for exceptions to standard policy.
• Notify management of workflow problems and resource needs.
• Adhere to staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
• Engage in self‑development and continuous learning of technical and interpersonal skills.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants working toward self‑sufficiency.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and obtain required certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid).
• Assist with intake during inclement weather and overflow, ensuring documentation and referrals.

A high school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of three (3) years in social services, ideally in homeless services. Experience with data entry, extracting information and reports, and working with databases.

• Oral and written communication skills
• Computer skills, including Excel and Word
• Assistance and empathy toward others
• Organizational skills
• Analytical and decision‑making ability

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

$21.74 – $21.74 per hour.