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Shelter Diversion Specialist

HEADING HOME • Full-time • Boston, Massachusetts • 17m ago

Job Details

Administrative - Boston, MA

Full Time

4 Year Degree

$50,000.00 - $52,000.00 Hourly

Day

Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

Job Title: Shelter Diversion Specialist
Reports To: Senior Director
Position Type: Full Time, Hourly
Education Level:

Salary Range: $50,000 - $52,000

Sign-On Bonus: $5,000 (Paid out six months after hire)

Location: Chelsea, MA / Boston, MA

Job description

Overview: The Shelter Diversion Specialist (SDS) will provide shelter diversion services to homeless families and/or families at risk of homelessness to secure safe alternatives to shelter. SDS conducts assessments and redirects families who are seeking immediate emergency shelter by assisting them to make alternative housing arrangements and/or connecting them with services and financial assistance to help families return to permanent housing. The SDS requires the ability to address the components of diversion and rapid re-housing such as advocacy and mediation services with landlords, housing authorities, and/or family support systems. The SDS will work primarily at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office(s) in Chelsea, MA as well as in the field and at the Heading Home Main Office.

Responsibilities:

Using Motivational Interviewing and a collaborative approach to best screen and determine the immediate client concerns and/or barriers to housing including, but not limited to: financial, legal, mental health, substance abuse, safely, employment, health care and housekeeping;
Assist clients with applications for RAFT, HomeBASE, and all other applicable financial assistance programs;
Assists client with move-in transition supports including but not limited to; furniture and furnishings assistance, budget support, and other resources and services as needed;
Provide and/or connect families with advocacy and mediation services to help sustain housing with landlords, housing authorities, and/or family support systems;
Documents all interactions with clients utilizing appropriate reporting mechanisms, including web-based data collection systems;
Develops partnerships and collaborative relationships with internal and external service providers to ensure client receives comprehensive services;
Serves as liaison with Community based organizations, attends meetings with such organizations as needed;
Maintain familiarity with relevant housing laws and regulations around Fair Housing and Landlord Tenant laws to assist in client advocacy as appropriate.
Observes all program and agency rules and policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Heading Home, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Work Environment

Cubicle space within large office building; prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer, ability to climb up to three floors of stairs, ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Qualifications

BA Degree in a related field;
Three to five years of experience helping individuals or families access basic services such as food, housing and education
Preferred Case Management and/or Housing experience
Experience with crisis intervention
Knowledge and experience with service agencies and resources for families
Willingness to accompany clients as needed to appointments;
Willingness to work as part of a team to promote the goals of the agency;
Sensitive to the needs of people experiencing homelessness, low income and diverse populations;
Ability to work in a busy, diverse team setting;
Excellent time management, organizational and communication skills;
Ability to independently meet with clients in the field.
Bilingual preferred Spanish or Haitian Creole