Diversion Specialist

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Madison, WI

3d

About The Position

The Diversion Specialist works directly with families seeking homeless and housing services, providing shelter diversion services to help families experiencing homelessness find housing quickly and avoid entering emergency shelter. The role works individually with families to identify solutions and alternative housing arrangements that address their housing crises through direct services and financial assistance.

The specialist conducts initial screenings and needs assessments, develops individualized service plans, and monitors families’ progress toward their goals. The role also helps families access services and resources, advocates for their needs, coordinates with landlords and community agencies, and provides support to secure safe and stable housing. The position maintains accurate service, outcome, and financial-assistance records to meet program goals and contractual requirements.

A bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, or criminal justice and three years of social work experience are listed as minimum qualifications. Management experience is helpful. A valid driver’s license and approval to drive under The Salvation Army’s insurance are required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, or criminal justice.
• Three years of social work experience.
• Valid driver’s license and approval to drive from The Salvation Army’s insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Management experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial screenings to assess appropriate services and facilitate appointments for referrals and services.
• Collect required service-utilization, demographic, and outcome data.
• Provide resource referrals and follow-up assistance to families experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Help families advocate for their needs and access services and resources.
• Act as a liaison among families, support services, landlords, and community agencies, maintaining communication with providers as needed.
• Conduct needs assessments and create individualized service plans based on identified goals.
• Review and monitor families’ progress toward their identified goals.
• Help families identify solutions and alternative housing arrangements to resolve housing crises quickly.
• Assess families’ financial situations and needs for supportive services, such as employment assistance, budgeting, and credit repair.
• Support families in securing safe and stable housing, including providing financial assistance when necessary.
• Document and track financial assistance, including completed client-assistance requests.
• Maintain accurate and timely statistics and documentation to meet program goals and contractual requirements.
• Network with other service providers.
• Maintain positive working relationships with service providers, clients, and fellow employees.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and compensation
• Flexible schedules
• Casual dress environment
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal time, and 11 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 support, resources, and referrals
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Pet, auto, and home insurance discounts
• Retirement benefits
• Work-life balance
• Hearing benefits
• Holiday pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level