Lead Diversion Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Lead Diversion Specialist with a primary focus on reporting, data quality, and referral process oversight, person in this position will play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing diversion programs. This includes ensuring accurate and comprehensive reporting to Fresno County, maintaining high data quality standards, and overseeing the referral process by assigning caseloads. This multifaceted position requires a combination of strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective coordination with various teams.

Person in this position will be the primary point of contact with individuals and families and provide screening and assistance locating housing, facilitating transportation, and providing temporary financial assistance and linkages to ensure clients return to permanent housing immediately. This will include arrangement, coordination, monitoring, and delivery of services related to meeting the housing needs of the clients and helping them access community services and obtain housing stability. Essential Job Functions include those listed below. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manage the end-to-end referral process for diversion programs.
• Assign caseloads to appropriate team members based on workload, expertise, and program requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of referrals, maintaining a smooth workflow.
• Provide detailed training to new Diversion Specialists.
• Act as the Program Director alternate liaison for mandatory meetings as required.
• When applicable, attend required Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC) Diversion trainings.
• Provide weekly updates to Master by Name List and participate in weekly FMCoC case conferencing meetings.
• Generate regular and ad-hoc reports to provide insights into diversion program effectiveness.
• Facilitate HMIS and Diversion Specialist files quality assurance.
• Conduct regular audits to identify and rectify discrepancies in the data.
• Work closely with Program Director to address data quality issues promptly.
• Provide training sessions to team members on data entry protocols, reporting requirements, and the referral process.
• Conducts standardized screening for newly homeless individuals and families.
• Works in coordination with the FSC Case Management team and crisis housing providers to ensure seamless and integrated care for homeless families in the SPA.
• Screens and immediately addresses safety concerns; families with identified safety concerns such as domestic violence will be immediately connected to a domestic violence shelter provider.
• Connects families to immediate supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, childcare, employment, etc.
• Provide transportation assistance for the purpose of stabilizing the current housing crisis.
• Builds and maintains relationships with property owners/managers to secure units for leasing.
• Meeting with each client at least once weekly to provide support and assistance towards achieving each Individualized Service Plan.
• Intake and assessment of incoming participants to determine eligibility and appropriate services.
• Make referrals and appointments with appropriate agency, services and/or case managers.
• Maintain client files according to company policy and contract requirements.
• Heavy documentation; HMIS data entry
• Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reports as requested.
• Assist and monitor data collection and statistical reporting and complete Quality Improvement reports as requested.
• Maintain relationships with referring and supporting agencies and represent the agency at various community meetings as requested.
• Coordination of various services throughout several agencies.
• Attend scheduled meetings and presentations with referral agencies.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Proven experience in data management, reporting, or a related role.
• Familiarity with the diversion program and an understanding of relevant regulations is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Fresno County’s reporting requirements is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with database management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the underserved populations.
• Ability to conduct outreach, including street outreach.
• Good computer skills.
• Good documentation skills.
• Ability to operate a computer and complete documents in Microsoft Word program formats with strong knowledge of Excel or the ability to learn.
• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be sensitive to populations served.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required; and
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years case management or counseling services.

• Graduation with a two-year degree in Psychology, Social Work, Community and Human Services or a related field is preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasional lifting of more than 10 pounds.
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching are performed in the normal course of the position.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, BUT exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee engaged in Category II tasks.