Case Manager-Diversion Plus

Overview

The Diversion Program Case Manager provides intervention designed to immediately address the needs of someone who has just lost their housing and become homeless. Diversion is a client-driven approach; its goal is to help the person or household find safe alternative housing immediately, rather than entering shelter or experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It is intended to ensure that the homelessness experience is as brief as possible, to prevent unsheltered homelessness, and to avert stays in shelter.

The Diversion Case Manager provides direct support for youth experiencing, or who are at risk of homelessness to secure safe housing alternatives to emergency shelter that is appropriate to their circumstances including acquiring or to maintain existing housing. The Diversion Case Manager coordinates case management and support planning with youth and the team. The Diversion Case Manager is expected to practice within a framework that is a strengths-based, relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth.

• Preferred: BSW;
  Minimum of 6 months of paid experience and serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in social work or human services–related field and one-year paid experience serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Experience working with young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years old.
• Experience working with young adults in crisis.
• Strong ability to effectively resolve and cope with immediate crisis situations.
• Strong communication skills, speaking, listening, and writing clearly and thoroughly.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and database software used to track service delivery.
• HMIS and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel is preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources available in various neighborhoods.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong ability to represent the interests of the agency, interact effectively with a diverse group, build successful collaborative relationships with program participants, other SBCHC staff, and community partners.

• Meet with youth entering the shelter to assess and explore safe alternative living arrangements through solution-focused support and diversion services.
• Work within a system of care approach to assess diversion or entry to the shelter, and provide coordinated access to the shelter system if appropriate.
• Apply client-centered approach when working with youth to achieve positive outcomes and empower them through strength-based practices.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners and support youth with referrals to appropriate professional services. Assist in creating and documenting best practices and protocols that promote positive shelter diversion outcomes.
• Provide counseling, conflict resolution and mediation to youth, their families and/or landlords to prevent homelessness.
• Conduct comprehensive housing-related case management of potential participants referred through Coordinated Access.
• Develop Individualized Housing and Service Plans (IHSP) for each participant using the required Goal Quest CFTH Program forms.
• Collect all necessary documentation needed to support assistance.
• Find temporary housing opportunities for eligible participants and identify permanent housing options for program participants.
• Determine and recommend to Supervisor/Housing Manager the level and duration of financial assistance for eligible participants including the PHA.
• Prepare requests for financial assistance, submit all required documentation to supervisor for approval, and approved documentation to PHA.
• Manage and track financial assistance funds from beginning to end.
• Collaboratively work with Coalition for the Homeless – Houston Housing Specialists to find permanent housing options for program participants.
• Interface with landlords whenever necessary to mitigate issues or de-escalate conflict that may arise.
• Collaborate with other departments and agency programs to maximize participant outcomes, program goals, and agency mission.
• Recertify participants receiving financial assistance every month to assess participant progress and needs.
• Collaborate and communicate closely with formal partner agencies for the program.
• Detailed documentation and maintain up-to-date information on services provided to participants in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and hard copy case records.
• Prepare and submit weekly program update and financial assistance tracking reports.
• Participates in SBCHC’s Quality Assurance/Performance Activities as well as Compliance related matters.
• Abides by SBCHC’s Values and Standards of Conduct.
• Participates in compliance, risk and safety, quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
• Other duties as assigned.