Diversion Specialist

Job Summary: The purpose of this position is to provide resources and social services navigation support to families and individuals that are in unstable housing or unhoused. The goal is that families using our diversion services can self-identify and target the most appropriate pathways to stability for themselves. This may be within our Vision House transitional housing, or it may be with a different provider, or even public housing. The Diversion Specialist must bring a combination of persistence, active listening, and research skills to each case. The Diversion Specialist role is to help encourage each applicant to work from their strengths, while recognizing their challenges. A Diversion Specialist is someone who enjoys problem solving with a team, learning something new every day, and engaging one on one with people living in complex circumstances.

REPORTS TO: Site Lead

HOURS: 40 hours per week, hourly, Monday-Friday based on program needs

LOCATION: Renton, WA

Our new Diversion Specialist will enjoy the following benefits:

• Starting Pay: $24.00-$27.00 per hour DOE
• Health insurance for Employee only: Medical $80/month, Dental $11/month, and Vision $1/month. Separate rates for spouses/dependents.
• Retirement plan with up to a 3% matching employer contribution
• 3 weeks of paid vacation (increases with service)
• 13 days of paid holidays
• 9 days of Sick Leave (Separate from PFML & FMLA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Childcare Tuition Assistance

At Vision House, we serve populations from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and actively seek applicants that will balance our employment workforce to align with the populations we serve. Questions regarding our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be directed towards our HR department.

As a Diversion Specialist you will:

• Maintain the call intake list on a daily basis, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Partners with housing specialist on low-income permanent housing for clients
• Partners with family program to bring new families into the Vision House transitional housing program.
• Manages/Supports diversion calendar for their assigned center, coordinating appointments and services.
• Conduct trauma-informed diversion conversations with clients, helping them assess their strengths and challenges to identify housing options
• Maintain a regular caseload, checking in with clients and offering ongoing support.
• Inputs data into system on weekly basis
• Builds relationships with other resource providers and attends monthly provider meetings and resource fairs
• Attends and participates in family transition meetings
• Supports family services teams with current resident resources when needed
• Other duties as assigned

Diversion Specialist candidates should have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or a related field preferred
• Two years of experience must be direct social service or advocacy work, including assessing client needs and/or determining client benefit eligibility
• Experience working with at-risk families, children, and individuals in crisis, particularly those facing homelessness or domestic violence.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License, good driving record, auto insurance and reliable transportation.
• Experience working with diverse and/or special needs population and knowledge of homelessness, domestic violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse and the effects on children.
• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff in a participatory environment.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule depending on program needs, including up to 2 Saturdays a month
• Ability to pass background check.
• Active Christian faith and an ability to sign our Statement of Faith.
• Ability to work well as part of a team as well as independently.