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 the 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:
Administration and PlanningDiversion Specialist helps newly homeless persons identify and implement strategies that will prevent them from having to actually enter shelter.Diversion Specialist is 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.Engages client family members and/or friends to ascertain willingness to have family placed in other housing alternatives.Seeks out, provides access to, and oversees resources that encourage alternative housing placements.Diversion Specialist uses an empowerment approach based on conflict theory.Regional Team DevelopmentProvide professional direction to coordinate homeless services program and services within the service region.Program services are delivered and coordinated in a fully integrated manner within the context of the shelter system.Shelter staff are aware of Diversion objectives and the role their positions have in meeting these.Ongoing review and evaluation of program outcomes result in improvement of service delivery.Case Management SupportManage the implementation of Diversion throughout the region, including staff shelter training.Provide ongoing administrative oversight for assigned region in the diversion implementation.Ensure quality of local data and reporting of information that will support program outcomes.Maintain excellent communications among all partiesEnsure effective communication and mission effectiveness through quarterly meetings with program staff.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.Establish and maintain collaborative relationships throughout the regions in order to meet mission objectives.Support team building at Regional Team Meetings throughout the learning cohorts.Resource DevelopmentStrengthen program ministries by actively seeking additional resources.Provide community and SA resources at Regional Team Meetings.Shelter Staff DevelopmentProvide professional support to staff through the training, tools and resources required to deliver quality services across the region.Plan, conduct and/or participate in workshops and other training events.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.
COMPETENCIES:
- 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.
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