Shelter Diversion Specialist

Goodwill Northern Michigan, in partnership with the Northwest Coalition to End Homelessness (NWCEH), is seeking a motivated and results-driven Shelter Diversion Specialist to join our Housing & Homeless Services Team. The Shelter Diversion Specialist plays a critical role in our organization’s mission to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring by promoting alternative housing options and facilitating swift transitions out of homelessness for individuals and families in the Greater Grand Traverse region. The Shelter Diversion Specialist focuses on identifying immediate alternative housing arrangements to entering the emergency shelter system, while also assisting individuals and families to swiftly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing. The Shelter Diversion Specialist uses an empathetic yet direct approach and prioritizes housing stability while fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.
2. Perform work in a safe manner by observing all Goodwill safety policies and procedures.
3. Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.
4. Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons with visible and non-visible disabilities.
5. Conduct thorough strength-based assessments for each individual/household, meeting them the day immediately following shelter entry or 24 hours after addition to shelter waitlist.
6. Engage individuals/households in open and candid discussions to brainstorm potential housing solutions, aiming to divert them from entering the shelter system and guiding them towards rapid exit from homelessness.
7. Use conflict resolution strategies to mediate with individuals, families, landlords, and other interested parties, playing a vital role in finding and securing housing options.
8. Submit and manage funding requests for diversion opportunities and expenses.
9. Ensure immediate connection to appropriate resources (APS, CPS, etc.) for individuals/families with identified safety concerns such as domestic violence.
10. Maintain a 95% data quality standard on all computer and log entries, tracking outcomes related to diversion activities.
11. Primarily uses motivation and influence to divert individual/household to other sources of assistance when possible.
12. Collaborate with local Interagency Services Team (IST) and community partners to identify appropriate permanent housing options and support for clients.
13. Represent Goodwill and NWCEH in a professional, supportive, and knowledgeable manner, demonstrating an understanding and sensitivity towards diverse communities and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse disorder, mental illness, and domestic violence. 
14. May be required to drive company vehicle for purposes of: transporting clients to various appointments, such as medical visits, job interviews, or social service agencies; running errands on behalf of clients or the organization; traveling to different neighborhoods or communities to provide information about available services, conduct workshops, or engage with community members; transporting supplies, equipment, or materials between different locations, such as offices, shelters, or community centers.
15. Must adhere to all driving policies and regulations, including maintaining a valid driver's license, following safety protocols, and keeping accurate records of mileage and expenses.
16. Other duties as assigned by manager.

Education, Licenses, Certifications and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s Degree or current enrollment in social work/human service/social service program is required. 
2. Minimum two years’ experience in case management services, serving housing and homeless populations.
3. Valid Driver’s License with clean, safe driving record.
4. CPR/First Aid certification. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Familiarity with local human service providers and other community resources and agencies.
2. Effective communications skills, including both verbal and non-verbal, as well as active listening.
3. Ability to engage and build trust and rapport with diverse populations, including those resistant to assistance.
4. Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
5. Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
6. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and/or as part of a team.
7. Proficient in using online data management systems.
8. Sensitivity and understanding towards individuals with disabilities, those who are disadvantages, those with abuse disorders, mental illness, and survivors of domestic violence.
9. Previous experience working with the homeless population is preferred.
10. Familiarity with conflict resolution and mediation techniques.
11. Knowledge and use of Microsoft office.

Physical Requirements:

1. Lifting up to 20 pounds, stair climbing, walking on uneven surfaces, and bending.
2. Position may require local travel between locations, with mileage reimbursement.
3. This position is considered a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to zero tolerance under the Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan Drug Free Workplace Policy.