Shelter Diversion Specialist

SAWC Diversion Specialist Position Description

Reports to: Diversion & Resource Coordinator and Program Director

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1300 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The part time, seasonal Diversion Specialist will assist SAWC’s Diversion and Resource Coordinator to divert individuals experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County. The Diversion Specialist assists single adults who are seeking an emergency shelter bed and/or staying in a place not meant for habitation with exploring safe, alternative supports to be diverted from shelter. The position is temporary from November to end of May 2025. This position is available to engage with clients and respond to diversion referrals along with meeting clients before or after shelter intake/assessment. These efforts are funded through partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA). The diversion positions have access to funds to support rapid diversion whenever possible including bus tickets, airfare, grocery or gas cards to identified, safe alternative housing and rental assistance for clients housed with a landlord. The position primarily works in the office at the shelter but will also visit offsite shelter locations, make diversion expense errands, and support client move in assistance.

The position is scheduled as primarily evening hours as late as 8 or 9pm on most days with 28 hours for 4 to 5 days Monday through Friday. This proposed scheduled correlates with the Diversion and Resource Coordinator.

Pay:

The is a part time, seasonal position from November through end of May 2025 for $23 hourly pay set at 28 hours weekly.

Duties & Responsibilities

General Responsibilities:

1. Assist where necessary with the orderly running of the Delonis Center.
2. Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.
3. Meet with clients in the community, as needed.
4. Do real-time data entries in HMIS system to ensure that case record is complete and up-to-date.
5. Support case managers, as needed.

1. Be available to work weekends during winter months, and holidays, as assigned.
2. Perform other assignments as directed by assigned supervisor and overall leadership team.
3. Understand and utilize community resources, as appropriate to client needs.
4. Assist clients in applying for disability income, forms of identification, and other supportive benefits.

Diversion Work Responsibilities

1. Be available to meet with clients at the front door of the Delonis Center to offer resources to divert clients from shelter
2. Mediate with family/friends or prior landlords to regain housing
3. Follow up with diverted clients for at least a 30 day check in via phone to offer additional resources when possible
4. Coordinate with Assessment Team to contact persons waiting for residential shelter to further explore any opportunities for diversion
5. Assist Diversion and Resource Coordinator to distribute short term financial assistance to divert clients from shelter
6. Assist Diversion and Resource Coordinator with diverting at least 35 or more winter program clients
7. Report out usage of short-term financial assistance resources
8. Document various client information and activities in HMIS and staff notes professionally and appropriately
9. Participate in diversion community cohort groups and collaborate with community partners
10. Assist client in short term housing search, based upon a “Housing First” philosophy

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in the human service or related field with a proven track record of successfully working with diverse populations. Please note the SAWC will consider alternative, comparable experience to a degree.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.

• Exhibit a commitment to diversity and issues related to poverty.
• Be culturally competent, including working with those who have serious mental illnesses, who are suffering from chemical dependency, or who have varying gender identifications or sexual preferences.
• Have the ability to multitask.
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Exchange, and use of the Internet in locating resources.
• Have reliable transportation.

Additionally, the person that fills this position must be:

• Empathetic and energetic
• Able to work as a team member
• Utilize good judgment and clear thinking in crisis situations
• High degree of cultural competency and equity lens
• Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations and the primacy of client needs.
• Commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues.
• Mature in nature and professional in action.
• Ability to occasionally transport clients, with a Valid Michigan driver’s license and access to a vehicle with proof of insurance and registration.
• Able to carry up to approximately 50 pounds for limited distances.
• Have reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients in own vehicle.

Application Process:

Please apply prior to 11/11/2024 as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Staff name:______________________ Signature: __________________________ Date: __________