Outreach & Diversion Specialist

Friends of the Family • Mason City, IA

1d

About The Position

Develop and deliver street outreach, community engagement, and diversion services throughout assigned service areas. The role provides progressive engagement, crisis intervention, service-needs assessment, housing resource navigation, and follow-up support for people affected by homelessness. The position is available full-time or part-time.

The specialist works with community partners and supports clients in accessing housing options and services. They follow data tracking and documentation requirements, maintain confidentiality, and represent FOF at assigned community and program development meetings. The role aligns with Housing First, trauma-informed care, client-centered practice, harm reduction, and low-barrier shelter philosophies.

Requirements

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and plan work to meet deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Ability to travel throughout the FOF service area to provide in-person advocacy services and to other locations within the state for training.
• Ability to pass state, federal, and child abuse background checks.
• Understand, align with, and practice Housing First, trauma-informed care, client-centered approach, harm reduction, and low-barrier shelter philosophies.
• Understand the six components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
• Believe in FOF’s vision: “Everyone has a home.”
• Believe in FOF’s mission to end homelessness through the Housing First approach, systemic change through community partnerships, and individualized support that prioritizes client choice.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in victim services, crisis intervention, housing programming, and/or case management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver progressive engagement services to participants in the identified service area.
• Conduct street outreach in assigned service areas to understand the homeless population and provide intervention.
• Develop and maintain local partnerships with housing service providers, crisis centers, hospitals, and other programs to help participants access services quickly.
• Coordinate diversion efforts in the assigned service area.
• Educate participants about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Provide service assessments, crisis counseling, and access to housing programs to callers on the crisis line.
• Support programs and services in navigating housing options and resources for people affected by homelessness.
• Comply with data tracking and documentation requirements.
• Represent FOF at community and program development meetings as assigned.
• Follow up with clients currently living on the streets to continue providing resources.
• Maintain confidentiality for all people served by FOF.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time