Diversion Specialist

POSITION: Diversion Specialist

REPORTS TO: Program Director

CATEGORY: Full-Time/Exempt/Permanent

LOCATION: In-Person, Falls Church, Virginia

PROGRAM: Bailey's Community Shelter

Position Summary:

FACETS is seeking a mission-driven Diversion Specialist to support individuals experiencing homelessness, by helping them identify safe and effective alternatives to entering shelter.

The Diversion Specialist works with Adult Only Households (AOH) in Fairfax County Region 2 by assisting individuals experiencing a housing crisis to identify safe, immediate alternatives to shelter whenever possible using a housing-focused, trauma informed and client-centered approach. The Diversion Specialist will conduct assessments, facilitate problem-solving conversations, coordinate short-term supports and referrals to community resources, financial assistance, and natural support. The role plays a critical part in shelter utilization while promoting housing stability and dignity.

The ideal candidate will have experience in homeless services and familiarity with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), along with strong organizational, engagement, interviewing skills, data-entry, and problem-solving skills. This position requires the ability to work compassionately and effectively in a fast-paced, community-based environment.

About the Organization:

FACETS is a non-profit organization that opens doors by helping parents, their children, and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty in Fairfax County. We meet their emergency needs through our wrap around services and community partnerships and help individuals and families experience safe and stable housing after years of uncertainty and instability. We strive to ensure that every person in our community has a place they can call home. Here at FACETS, every team member plays a role in making a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts diversion assessments for individuals seeking shelter, assessing and evaluating household barriers to housing and identifying available supports and safe alternative housing options.
• Collaborates with Shelter Intake Coordinator, Outreach and Case Management staff to align diversion efforts with agency goals and funding requirements.
• Complete comprehensive intake assessments in compliance with program and funder requirements.
• Enter and maintain accurate and timely data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Maintain accurate client records and documentation in accordance with confidentiality standards, data quality, and programmatic guidelines.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, HMIS, and agency privacy standards.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed.
• Advocate for clients within systems to reduce barriers to housing stability.
• Collaborates with clients to identify and explore immediate housing alternatives, including family support, community networks, and potential Landlord options.
• Facilitate conversations with the client’s identified support network and provide conflict resolution or mediation as needed to help stabilize housing or prevent shelter entry.
• Connects clients to appropriate resources and supportive services to address immediate needs and promote housing stability and help prevent shelter entry.
• Tracks success rates, trends, and diversion outcomes to support ongoing program evaluation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement. Prepare reports as required.
• Participates in team meetings, case conferencing, and training.
• Stays current on best practices, diversion, homelessness prevention and housing stabilization.
• Represents FACETS in the community, in accordance with Agency Mission, Vision, and Code of Ethics.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a human services or related fields.
• Two years of professional social work/case management experience with homeless and/or at-risk populations or experience working in an emergency shelter setting.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Ability to work with individuals experiencing crisis, assess complex situations, and develop appropriate approaches (shelter intake, diversion, prevention referral)
• Knowledge of current social services, homelessness, housing issues, and methods/approaches to address concerns.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage tasks and workload with minimal supervision.
• Excellent data entry and data quality skills; ability to use HMIS to establish and maintain case records and to facilitate data collection.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software, including Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work on a flexible schedule (evenings, weekends and holidays as required).
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, good driving record, and personal car insurance.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Must pass criminal background checks.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to attend occasional meetings at other FACETS office locations within Fairfax County, including 3 annual organization-wide fundraising events each year.

Salary Range:

$50,000 - $58,800 annually

FACETS offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualification/experience.

Benefits:

• Paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees with competitive family rates and medical plan options.
• Paid Basic Life Insurance with an option to buy additional coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan options with generous matching.
• Full-time employees receive paid annual vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
• Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability, 100% employer paid.
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Reimbursement of work-related expenses including portions of mileage and mobile data expenses.
• On-going professional development and training; reimbursement for portions of tuition, training, or (re)certification in areas related to current position.

Everyone at FACETS is driven to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. FACETS is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of respect and belonging. FACETS is an equal opportunity employer with a culturally diverse work environment. Our welcoming community encourages collaboration across programs for our rewarding work.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter to [email protected] .

Equal Employment Opportunity M/F/D/V.