Diversion Specialist

Job Objective:

Engages directly with families seeking homeless and housing services, to provide shelter diversion services aimed to quickly house families who are experiencing homelessness to avoid the need to enter emergency shelter. Works individually with families to identify solutions and alternative housing arrangements that quickly resolve the individuals housing crisis through a combination of direct service and financial assistance.

Essential Functions:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Conducts initial screening to assess appropriate service suggestions and facilitates setting appointments for referrals and/or services.
• Ensures the collection of required service utilization, demographic, and outcome data.
• Provides resource referral and follow-up assistance to families experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Assists families in advocating for their needs and accessing services and resources.
• Acts as a liaison between families support services, landlords, and involved community agencies and maintains ongoing communication with other providers as needed.
• Conducts a needs assessment with each family and works to create an individualized service plan based on identified goals.
• Reviews and actively monitors families in making progress toward meeting identified goals.
• Assists families to creatively identify solutions and alternate housing arrangements that quickly resolves their housing crisis.
• Assesses the financial situation of families and their need for supportive services such as employment assistance, budgeting, and/or credit repair.
• Provides support for families as necessary to secure safe and stable housing, providing financial assistance where necessary.
• Documents and tracks all financial assistance, including completed requests for client assistance.
• Maintains accurate and timely statistics and documentation to meet program goals and contractual requirements.
• Networks with other service providers.
• Maintains positive working relationships with service providers, clients and fellow employees.

Minimum Qualifications: 

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.  

Education: Bachelor’s in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, or criminal justice. 

Experience:  Three years social work experience. Management experience helpful.

Certifications:  Valid Driver’s license with approval to drive from The Salvation Army’s insurance. 

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

Who we are:

Our Mission: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Our message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by the love of God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination.

Why work for us?

The Salvation Army’s brand promises to Do the Most Good® - and it’s our employees that help us get there.  At every level, you can have a real impact on your community through the work done inside our walls every day.  

We are as impassioned about our employees as we are about our mission to help anyone in need without discrimination. Our culture reflects this quality, which makes our offices a seriously great place to work. Just walk inside our doors and you’ll quickly see that our employees are proud to support programs that make a difference.

The Salvation Army recognizes that peace of mind is important to employees and their families.  Because of this, we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Flexible schedules and a casual dress environment
• Generous paid time off benefits (vacation, sick time, personal time, and 11 paid holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 support, resources, and referrals to help you in your work and personal life
• Insurance benefits: excellent health, dental, vision, life, disability 
• Discounts available for pet insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance  

Full-time employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week will be eligible for full benefits, including health, dental, vision and hearing benefits, basic and voluntary life benefits, holiday pay and paid time off, which is pro-rated based on their regularly scheduled work week.

Exempt Employees: Health, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as basic and voluntary life benefits, will begin on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.

Other Benefits and Perks Offered:

• Work-life balance,
• Full health coverage,
• Time off benefits,
• Retirement
• Competitive compensation

Compensation:

At The Salvation Army - We honor the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We are dedicated to fair pay practices, ensuring equal compensation for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other factors.

Be part of something meaningful. Whether you're supporting those in need, assisting with disaster relief, or working in areas like finance or fundraising, each role offers a chance to make a lasting impact. If you're looking to align your career with your values, explore opportunities at The Salvation Army and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Compensation: $42,898 - $53,623/hour, based on experience.