Diversion Specialist

Triage Department / Individual Shelter

Mission Statement:

Father Bill's & MainSpring is committed to ending and preventing homelessness in Southern Massachusetts with programs that provide emergency and permanent housing and help people obtain skills, jobs, housing, and services. We help people who are struggling with homelessness or are at risk of homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency.

Father Bill's & MainSpring is a growing and dynamic social service agency with particular expertise in emergency and permanent housing, job training and placement, and prevention services for individuals and families in need. Over the next five years, our strategic focus includes an increase in affordable, permanent supportive housing, a more efficient model of care for families experiencing homelessness, commitment to an enhanced delivery model to reduce the need for shelter, and improved community relations in order to achieve these goals. Our staff are thoughtful and caring individuals who share our passion for these ideals and creative approaches to helping people improve their lives.

We offer a generous benefits package and a comprehensive orientation and training program, as well as ample opportunities for advancement for qualified individuals who show a commitment to our Mission.

Position Summary:

The Diversion Specialist is a full-time position that has two goals as a priority focus: diverting people from entering shelter or unsheltered homelessness. This model seeks to reduce and end homelessness more rapidly than traditional shelter. The Diversion Specialist will also educate community providers about services available in the shelter and appropriate/inappropriate referrals. This position requires 2-4 years of relevant experience and/or social work or a Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field. The hours are 10:00am-6:00pm, Monday through Friday, with some variation as necessary and may include some weekend days. CPR certification is required and provided by FBMS. AED and First Aid may also be required and will be provided by FBMS.

Essential Responsibilities:

Utilize a strengths-based and client centered approach when conducting interviews to help clients identify strengths, successes, and resources that they can use to develop plans to move towards self sufficiency and to retain/secure permanent housing and avoid having to enter emergency shelter.
Use conflict resolution and mediation skills to resolve an individual's immediate housing crisis.
Complete intake and assessment in order to identify guests' strengths, needs, barriers, and goals in order to achieve shelter diversion or rapid and appropriate shelter exit.
Work with guests to develop short-term plans to obtain stable housing, treatment options, employment strategies, and/or to move toward economic self-sufficiency, including implementation of an immediate plan for shelter diversion. Create and implement individual action plan within 48 hours of assessment.
Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with providers and educate community about shelter services and appropriate/inappropriate referrals and to encourage phone referrals and scheduling of intake appointments.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local landlords, property managers, housing authorities, social service organizations, state agencies, and internal partners.
Develop an understanding of available housing programs including Rapid Re-Housing assistance and/or other subsidized housing programs.
In partnership with management and Senior Leadership, participate in strategic planning and program development. Participate in the development and revision of program specific policies; assist with the implementation of new and/or revised diversion policies and protocols.
Collect and maintain data-based statistical information; Maintain accurate case records and submit written service outcome reports as needed.
Provide support, crisis intervention, mediation and service coordination.
Demonstrate a high degree of confidentiality pertaining to case records and information.
Attend and participate in staff and collaborative meetings with partner agencies and trainings as required.

Father Bills & Mainspring

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Diversion Specialist