Job Information
Volunteers of America - Spokane Diversion Case Manager in Spokane, Washington
The Diversion Case Manager supports our vision of ending youth homelessness by connecting clients interacting with the Youth Coordinated Entry System (YCES) to services, in addition to directly providing services, that can help divert them from homelessness or exit a homeless status. The Diversion Case Manager collaborates closely with local resource providers to deliver a holistic, individualized approach to meet all the needs of young people utilizing their services. This position also engages in community outreach---building relationships with other agencies to foster trust and collaboration for the benefit of the young people we serve. VOA serves people of many ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs; therefore, we seek a workforce which reflects this diversity. VOA is committed to the successes of youth and breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position with 40 work hours per week. Core work hours and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This schedule may vary and may require long work hours and varied shifts, as well as occasional evening, weekend and holiday work.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential duties/responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of this job. The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Provide diversion services to youth, ages 12-24, residing in Spokane County and experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Accept client referrals from the Youth Coordinated Entry System (YCES) for those youth who have chosen not to access the YCES and/or are not eligible.
Work with youth using creative strategies to develop trusting relationships while employing a trauma informed and client centered approach.
Build relationships with providers in the community for the purpose of sharing youth referrals.
Assist youth in getting their needs met through direct service provision, along with appropriate and timely referrals.
Complete Coordinated Entry Housing Assessments for youth as appropriate. As well as understanding the Youth, Singles and Homeless Families Coordinated Entry Systems and the various housing programs youth can access through each of them.
Help youth complete Housing Choice Vouchers when appropriate.
Leverage community funds on behalf of youth to help facilitate a successful transition into safe and stable housing.
Be knowledgeable of area resources, including mainstream benefits, for youth and how to help them access those resources.
Identify and communicate trends among homeless and doubled up (i.e. living with family, friends or other non-relatives) youth for the purpose of advocacy and improving service delivery.
Participate in community activities and events for the purpose of increasing awareness of youth homelessness and available services/resources.
Understand and apply diversion techniques to help youth avoid experiencing literal homelessness as well as exit homelessness.
Understand area housing availability.
Understand and adhere to current landlord/tenant laws and pre-tenancy laws.
Provide case management services to youth, including, but not limited to:
Facilitate access to emergency services whenever necessary, including medical, law enforcement, shelter and detox.
Create a client-driven case management plan with each youth.
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