Diversion Worker

Position Summary

Reporting to the Diversion Coordinator, the role of the Diversion Worker is to actively engage new clients to assess risk and needs to assist them in exiting emergency shelter as quickly as possible. This individual will provide appropriate assessments, program information and services within The DI and make appropriate referrals when clients' needs cannot be met. Knowledgeable, collaborate, empathetic and client centered describe the characteristics of this individual.

Diversion Workers may carry a case load of new clients experiencing homelessness that may require diversion services.  The Diversion Worker will follow the activities outlined in the Theory of Change to achieve their ultimate outcome of helping clients achieve independence. 

Diversion Workers coordinate services for clients who need permanent housing, health care, financial help or job training. Diversion Workers will elicit compassion for people in difficult circumstances; actively and constructively listen; apply creative solutions to clients' problems; manage time effectively; resolve conflicts through effective negotiation as well as other means, and is comfortable and able to use technology and engage with community partners in order to build social capital for people who find themselves temporarily in needs of services.

Time Commitment

This is a contract position. 40 hours per rotation, with 5 days on and 2 days off. Some unusual hours may be required from time to time as the need arises. Schedule may be altered at the discretion of management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts oneself in a professional manner when dealing with members of the community, clients, volunteers and other staff. Co-operates in dealing with emergency services and other staff (i.e. CPS, The DOAP team, CTS, EMS).
• Works collaboratively with community partners to shorten the length of time people spend in emergency shelter.
• Completes VI-SPDAT and housing plan with new clients and develops a case plan to help them leave the emergency shelter as quickly as possible into independence.
• Has a team-oriented mindset to ensure that seamless service is provided as needed with the recognition that the overall goal will only be achieved through collaboration and collective input by internal and external partners
• May carry a case load of clients that will review case planning to help achieve independent housing.
• Engages clients with conversation and address questions or concerns and provides clients with the appropriate advice.
• Acts respectfully and offers help to staff and clients while following building policy and procedure as outlined in the PPM and by building supervisors.
• Communicates effectively with other shifts and rotations to address any issues or concerns of the day.
• Attends training sessions as scheduled by Manager
• Completes and maintains log record-keeping in the DI database, documents interactions with clients and maintains statistical data. This includes properly using biometrics to keep an accurate number of clients seen on a daily basis.
•  Provides related reports as required.
•  Reviews email, logs and communications and takes appropriate course of action.
•  Performs other related duties as assigned by Manager.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Displays compassion as a primary trait
• Experience in the Human Services field is preferred
• Completion of a post-secondary program (bachelor’s degree or diploma) in human services, community support worker, social service worker, or health-related discipline is an asset
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.
• Previous work experience in a social service environment or similar role may replace formal education requirements
• Must demonstrate initiative and work autonomously
• Energetic and self-directed, with effective time management and organizational skills including the ability to deal with several priorities at the same time
• Strong strategically focused analytical skills, good common sense; and capacity to provide leadership
• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiating skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve projects, programs and processes
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Proficient in Office365 and Microsoft Office Suite 2016
• Demonstrate essential desktop troubleshooting skills
• Eager to learn new systems and adopt improved best practices
• A clean, valid driver’s license would be a definite asset
• Must be acceptable of industry risks, including coming into contact with bodily fluids
• A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.