Always Home is a private nonprofit based in Mystic, Connecticut and our mission is Preventing Family Homelessness.
Job Description: The Diversion Specialist/Case Manager assesses the needs of families in Eastern Connecticut who are at risk of or experiencing imminent homelessness. This role develops and implements shelter diversion and homelessness prevention plans, connecting families with Always Home programs as part of the State of Connecticut’s Coordinated Access Network. Key responsibilities include client assessment, motivational interviewing, problem-solving, data entry and reporting, care coordination, and community outreach.
The Diversion Specialist maintains accurate case notes and client records, including calls, referrals, program participation, and updates to case management plans as clients’ needs evolve.
The Diversion Specialist stays in regular contact with clients to assess circumstances, listen to concerns, identify goals, and support progress. This includes problem-solving with families, providing information, making referrals, coordinating with other providers, and helping clients connect with community resources, employers, family, friends, and other supports.
During initial screening, the Diversion Specialist gathers household information to understand each family’s circumstances, challenges, strengths, motivation, and resiliency. In partnership with the client, the Diversion Specialist develops and revises action plans toward housing stability, collaborates with other service agencies when appropriate, and provides follow-up through case closure.
The Diversion Specialist regularly uses Charity Tracker, HMIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, and related systems to enter, maintain, retrieve, and report client data accurately and on time. The role includes maintaining digital files, sharing information appropriately, recommending reporting improvements, and protecting client confidentiality with discretion and privacy.
Full-time, In Person
Position Responsibilities:
· Provide shelter diversion services for families with minor children in Eastern CT for the Coordinated Access Network, including CAN client screening interviews and ongoing case management
· Assess client needs, develop solutions, and provide ongoing case management and follow-up
· Collaborate with other agencies as needed to coordinate client services and referrals
· Represent Always Home at housing meetings, community outreach events, programs, and related meetings
· Maintain accurate records and client files in accordance with program requirements
· Enter, maintain, retrieve, and report client data in HMIS, Charity Tracker, and other required systems, following all applicable policies and procedures
· Serve as HMIS Data Coordinator for the agency
· Provide client data and reports as needed for the Grant Manager, Executive Director, and other reporting requirements
· Work with others to improve data collection, analysis, and reporting processes
· Support the development and implementation of new initiatives and services
· Complete other assignments as required
Skills, Requirements and Capabilities:
· Minimum of two years’ experience in a social services agency; familiarity with social work, nonprofit services, community resources, or financial literacy preferred
· Postsecondary certificate or degree preferred
· Strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and active listening skills, with the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with families
· Sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, and decision-making skills
· Strong critical thinking, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and data needs
· Creative, flexible, self-directed, and able to work with limited supervision
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn case management and other technology platforms
· Demonstrated competence in serving culturally diverse populations strongly preferred
· Bilingual English/Spanish or additional language proficiency a plus
· Valid driver’s license, clean driving history, and access to an insured vehicle
About Always Home
Always Home was founded in 1998 to address the needs of homeless, imminently homeless, and at-risk families in Eastern Connecticut. Our mission is preventing family homelessness. As the region’s leading provider focused exclusively on serving families with minor children, we offer case management support and access to emergency services that improve housing security and family well-being. We are committed to problem-solving with families to find solutions to housing crises, reduce the number of families facing eviction or emergency shelter, and give families opportunities to build housing stability and resiliency. We regularly use a data-driven approach and apply demonstrated best practices to maximize the impact of our services and resources for the families we support.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
