Diversion Specialist

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Shield of Hope/Emergency Homeless Services

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Diversion Specialist

LOCATION: Shield of Hope/TSA Homeless Services

REPORTS TO: Program Director of Homeless Services

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

DEPARTMENT MISSION

To support the full mission of The Salvation Army by providing compassionate, professional service to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter services and other resources in a team-focused manner.

OUTCOMES

Responsible for the coordination and integration of a system-wide diversion process among city-funded homeless services providers within assigned regions of the City of Chicago. Responsible for the full implementation of the Diversion model within the assigned region.

Provides support services to shelter staff (Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Case Managers, Shift Monitors, related staff, etc.) Conducts assessments and referrals for clients enrolled in City Shelters. Conducts a housing needs assessment for all clients to identify appropriate housing accommodation and support families in accessing appropriate housing and resources to meet their personnel. Participates in program planning, monitoring of daily and overall program services; assists with Quality Improvement activities.

The Diversion Specialist provides support to homeless service team in an effort to meet the needs of the homeless population. This individual works rotating shift assignments in accordance with maintaining an operational 24-hour facility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administration and Planning
   1. Administration
      1. Diversion Specialist help newly homeless persons identify and implement strategies that will prevent them from having to actually enter shelter.
      2. Diversion Specialist are responsible for providing services and assessing the needs of the client and the client's family, when appropriate, and arranges, coordinates, monitors, evaluates, and advocates for a package of multiple services to meet the specific client's complex needs.
      3. Engages client family members and/or friends to ascertain willingness to have family placed in other housing alternatives.
      4. Seeks out, provides access to, and oversees resources that encourage alternative housing placements.
      5. Diversion Specialist uses an empowerment approach based on conflict theory
   2. Regional Team Development
      1. Provide professional direction to coordinate homeless services program and services within service region.
      2. Program services are delivered and coordinated in a fully integrated manner within the context of the shelter system.
      3. Shelter staff are aware of Diversion objectives and the role their positions have in meeting these.
      4. Ongoing review and evaluation of program outcomes result in improvement of service delivery.
   3. Case Management Support
      1. Manage the implementation of Diversion throughout the region, including staff shelter training.
      2. Provide ongoing administrative oversight for assigned region in the diversion implementation.
      3. Ensure quality of local data and reporting of information that will support program outcomes.
   4. Maintain excellent communications among all parties (i.e. shelters, community-based providers, hospitals and other homeless services providers) within the assigned region
      1. Ensure effective communication and mission effectiveness through quarterly meetings with program staff.
      2. Regularly meet with The Salvation Army Homeless Services & Social Services Leadership to review the implementation of Diversion strategy in order to capitalize on successes, address concerns and share best practices.
   5. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships throughout the regions in order to meet mission objectives.
   6. Support team building at Regional Team Meetings throughout the learning cohorts.
   7. Resource Development
      1. Strengthen program ministries by actively seeking additional resources.
      2. Provide community and SA resources at Regional Team Meetings.
   8. Shelter Staff Development
      1. Provide professional support to staff through the training, tools and resources required to deliver quality services across the region.
      2. Plan, conduct and/or participate in workshops and other training events.
2. Case Management Support
   1. Consultation Services
      1. Provide case consultation to city funded shelter staff with crisis intervention (emergency assistance) and case management.
      2. Plan, coordinate and facilitate monthly shelter support meetings.
      3. Meet with shelter staff monthly to offer support and information regarding community linkages, programmatic requirements including intake processes, intervention strategies and collection of data needed to meet program-reporting requirements.
3. Inter-Agency Responsibilities
   1. Ensure relevance and consistency in diversion practices by collaborating with city shelters and other homeless services providers in the Continuum of Care to successfully maintain and achieve policies and procedures, goals and objectives, and outcome-based measures related to Diversion.
4. Community Relations
   1. Attends inter-agency meetings and participates in local networks, as appropriate with local staff.
   2. Maintains working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services for participants and to stay abreast of current trends and resources available.
5. Continuing Education
   1. Participates in professional seminars, conferences and other meetings for Continuing Education Units, to increase professional knowledge.
   2. Maintains an active interest and involvement in the social work field and homeless services and incorporates new developments into practice whenever possible.
   3. May prepare written material for presentation or publication. This should be done with the knowledge and consent of the Divisional Social Services Director.
   4. Maintains current knowledge of legislation that affects homeless services and other social work practices.
   5. Plan, conduct and /or participate in workshops and other training events at the territorial, divisional or local level, as requested and/or assigned.
6. Additional duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Director of Homeless Services.

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of the Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, primarily the successful implementation of Diversion principles through efficiently functioning teams within the service region.

Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals within budgetary guidelines will also be reviewed.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A Master's degree from an accredited school preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the social work or human services field, with demonstrated ability in both the delivery of services and supervision of staff.
• Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.

COMPENTENCIES

• A willingness to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• An extensive knowledge of the principles of social work, clinical counseling, and case management.
• Knowledge of how to effectively integrate social work principles with organizational concepts in order to accomplish mission objectives.
• An understanding of the mission of The Salvation Army and the programs and services offered.
• An ability to manage projects, priorities and programs in a manner that ensures compliance with expectations.
• A collaborative approach that results in effective relationships which value team accomplishment above personal achievements.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• Sensitive to culturally and socio-economically diverse client populations.
• An ability to work with confidential material.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Director of Homeless Services informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do moderate physical work and must be able to lift 10 pounds.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and other office equipment.
• The work environment includes an office environment with a low noise level.
• Must be able to visit sites throughout the Chicago area.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.