Intake Specialist - Emergency Shelter Placement

Metropolitan Inter-Faith Assoc•Memphis, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Intake Specialist - Emergency Shelter Placement is responsible for screening and assisting homeless families seeking shelter through online applications or referrals from the Homeless Hotline. They conduct interviews, gather intake information, and mediate family issues while making appropriate shelter referrals. The role promotes a culture of innovation and personal growth, with a focus on lifelong learning. Formerly homeless applicants are encouraged to apply for the position.

Requirements

Demonstrate effective problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiation skills
Detail-oriented to meet file requirements and contract compliance
Access to adequately insured automobile and valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the HEARTH Act, Family Housing, and homelessness-related issues preferred
Familiarity with trauma-informed, strengths-based, and Vandenberg wraparound case management methods preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct intake assessments for families experiencing homelessness online or via telephone to determine homeless status, utilize diversion strategies to help families identify immediate resources and support systems, conduct housing mediation activities with family members and friends to determine alternative housing placement, and refer literally homeless families in appropriate shelters, according to eligibility, need, shelter availability, and compliance.
Screen families promptly and compassionately, providing the most appropriate services possible
Help families solve non-housing problems as needed
Mediate on the family’s behalf with a minimum of three collateral contacts to prevent emergency shelter placement if possible
Coordinate shelter referrals to unpaid and paid shelter providers as needed according to established procedures
Demonstrate effective problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiation skills
Exercise flexibility within guidelines, when necessary, with respect to addressing client needs
Make appropriate and prompt referrals to other service providers
Have clients upload documents needed to their CoactionNet application
Retrieve and respond to electronic written communications that include referrals and other information in a timely manner
Organize client files electronically daily via shared drive, CoactionNet and HMIS
Accurately and promptly enter all client data and program entry/exit into CoactionNet, shared drive, and HMIS database daily
Compile, scan, and upload the complete client file with client interaction in the required databases after each client interaction
Review caseload and dashboard reports to ensure error-free data entry
Maintain accurate, complete client records electronically and in any required database(s)
Maintain knowledge of community services by networking, to maximize external collaborations to deepen program impact
Contact shelters via email daily to check for availability, and document daily availability
Ensure that all shelter beds are filled according to shelter guidelines
Coordinate shelter intake client appointment times with clients to ensure correct information is provided
Communicate current and relevant community resources and shelter information with program leaders, coworkers, and clients
Assist with reports, audits, and reviews as needed
Engage volunteers to increase program efficiency and impact in FY24
Actively participate in housing team, staffing, and other MIFA meetings
Collaborate with the housing team to implement best practices for homeless family services
Cover caseload in the absence of other Specialists
Maintain confidentiality of client and donor information