WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the region's largest providers of social services. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Currently, VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence, through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for Intake and Diversion Staff positions for Our Place Shelter. Our Place is a housing focused shelter designed to create a safe and stable environment for women and families who are experiencing homelessness. Our Place connects our guests with services and places them into permanent housing. Located on a 20-acre campus, this emergency shelter operates several homes, a welcome/intake center, dining hall, and a clothing boutique for 138 women, 38 families and 20 senior women and their animal companions. During the winter, Our Place also provides emergency housing for an additional 25 women. This is a full-time position. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Intake and Diversion Staff is responsible for facilitating, monitoring, and organizing intake assessments using the Coordinated Entry process to determine guest eligibility in meeting the program's minimum requirements, the registration process of prospective guests, and the coordination of moving guests into the program. The Intake and Diversion Staff will provide triage, diversion, and assessment services that lead to potential connection with housing and service resources.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for all areas of diversion tactics and requirements to achieve and maximize potential outcomes and objectives.

1. Provide triage and diversion services to individuals accessing Our Place.
2. Conduct assessments to ensure diversion tactics and services are best utilized.
3. Assist potential participants in locating housing options to prevent any episodes of homelessness when safe, appropriate options are available.
4. Acts as a liaison between individuals experiencing housing crises and outside agencies.
5. Identify potential partnerships with community agencies.
6. Ensure all data, including diversion outcomes, are tracked in the desired database.
7. Responsible for verifying and documenting eligibility of programs when applicable.
8. Utilize trauma-informed care methods, motivational interviewing, and other best practices.
9. Performs other program-related duties as assigned.

B. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Complete all shelter intakes in accordance with HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) standards.
2. Enter information into Sharepoint and monitor usage as required.
3. Enter all necessary participant information into HMIS in a timely manner.
4. Coordinate and schedule appointments for participants as appropriate.
5. Scan and upload documents to digital programs.
6. Orient participants on shelter policies, rules, rights, and responsibilities.
7. Coordinates the assessment of personal supplies and space for participants, pets, and storage.
8. Maintain positive interactions with participants, staff, and partner agencies.
9. Develop an ongoing interview schedule and process for daily intakes of new guests.
10. Participate in VOA, Washoe County, and outside training sessions.
11. Provide other documentation as required by the funding source and/or VOA.

C. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all participants' concerns and/or infractions that can affect the program's security. Notify the Shelter Director where applicable.
2. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
3. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resources needed to attain performance standards.
4. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staff coverage and accomplish program objectives.

D. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Role models positive behavior to help participants as they work towards self-sufficiency.
3. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.

E. Assist with Intakes During Inclement Weather and Overflow:
1. Assist with the intake process during inclement weather, ensuring that all individuals seeking shelter are promptly and efficiently accommodated.
2. Manage the overflow of guests, ensuring a smooth and organized intake process, including assessing immediate needs and housing options.
3. Work collaboratively with shelter staff to coordinate additional space and resources for individuals in need during periods of high demand due to weather-related events.
4. Support participants through the overflow intake process by providing orientation, explaining shelter policies, and ensuring their safety and comfort.
5. Ensure that all overflow intakes are accurately documented in the required systems, including HMIS, and that appropriate follow-up services are scheduled.
6. Provide necessary triage services to individuals during overflow, ensuring their basic needs are met and they are connected with available resources.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.  Three (3) years of working experience in social services is needed. Working experience in homeless service is preferred. Must have experience with data entry, extracting information and reports, and working with databases.  This position requires the ability to provide services to guests without ethnic or social prejudices. This position requires demonstrated ability in record keeping, good written and verbal communication skills, and knowledge of problems unique to women, families in crisis, minorities, persons with disabilities, substance abuse and recovery, low-income, and the general homeless population. CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment.   Must have flexibility to work irregular hours and ability to function as a team member.  Must undergo a criminal background check.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Oral and written communication skills
Computer skills, including Excel and Word
Ability to assist other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 40 pounds
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Climb stairs regularly
Kneel occasionally