Want to make a difference? Come be a part of the amazing work EveryMind is accomplishing!
EveryMind is not just a name; it’s a catalyst for change. We believe in the inherent value and potential of every individual, every mind. With a commitment to the building blocks of mental health, we have been strengthening communities and empowering individuals since 1957. Through our direct services, advocacy, and community partnerships, we foster an ecosystem of support that cultivates thriving communities.
EveryMind is hiring a Diversion Specialist to join our Homeless and Housing Support Services team. This role is responsible for providing engagement, assessment, conflict resolution, and diversion services to assigned individuals and adult family households (eighteen years or older) in Montgomery County, Maryland that are doubled-up, couch surfing, at-risk of losing their housing or homeless, and to problem solve housing crises with the goal of diverting households from homelessness.
Why You'll Love Working at EveryMind
At EveryMind, we're not just a workplace, we're a mission-driven community committed to mental wellness for all. Here's what you can expect when you join us:
A Recognized Top Workplace in Montgomery County (Bethesda Magazine)
Over 65 Years of service as a leading mental health nonprofit
210+ Team Members across 27 locations
Culture of Trust, Integrity, and Innovation
Your Benefits Package Includes:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
Employer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Matching Program
47+ Days of Leave (Vacation, Sick, Wellness, Holidays, Birthday & More!)
Pay Increases for Licensure Advancements
Employee Assistance Program
Referral Bonus Program
Employee Discount Program
Sensible Caseload Management
Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Respond to households seeking services within the next business day of referral to complete screening, assessment, and development of diversion plan or coordinate shelter placement.
2. Follow-up on calls that are received after hours by the Homeless Information Line (HIL) and Montgomery County Crisis Center to provide diversion screening and diversion planning.
3. Develop diversion planning including assessment of housing options within the household natural supports such as family, friends, and acquaintances, and attempt to divert from entering County homeless system.
4. Assist households and collaborate with housing providers to complete unit applications which may include obtaining credit scores, completing criminal background checks, and addressing any other concerns.
5. Support clients in the field, for short-term placements, for temporary housing assignments, for shelters, and/or assisting with housing placements.
6. Provide ongoing case management services to caseload.
7. Advocate on behalf of clients for needs, services, and support. Provide assistance with accessing resources, such as MANNA food donations, shelter, housing, financial entitlements, donation sites, DHHS, food stamps, Social Security, medical care, and other County resources.
8. Coordinate client mental health support and ongoing care with therapists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, and hospitals, as needed.
9. Provide or arrange transportation, as needed, to and from appointments, attending with clients when necessary. This requires the use of a personal vehicle for daily use.
10. Ensure that households that are placed in hotels are assessed using approved assessment tools of the Coordinated Entry System (CES), including but not limited to the Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) and Acuity Scale.
11. Maintain records of client interactions, referrals, needs assessments, dispositions, and client paperwork, including internal tracking and electronic records. Document and track client interactions, related supports, and formulating observations into written needs assessments.
12. Develop case plans, monitor progress, and reassess client needs and stage of change and enter clinical service plans, contact notes, and intake information in electronic health record database. Regularly update client data and profile to comply with reporting requirements.
13. Other duties as assigned
Supervision to be exercised:
None except occasional supervision of interns and/or volunteers.
Supervision to be received:
Receives supervision from Manager, Diversion Services (CID).
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Strong Personal Resilience and Mental Health:
Given the high-stress nature of the role, it is essential that candidates possess a high level of personal resilience and maintain stable mental health. This ensures that they are well-equipped to provide effective support and maintain the professional standards required for client care.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in any human services field including psychology, social work, or counseling OR at least three years of equivalent experience for candidates without a bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
At least two years of professional work experience. At least one year of experience providing services to adult households experiencing housing instability and/or homelessness or one year experience providing successful case management services to an adult population who is low-income or unemployed with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring disorders.
Skills:
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to organize and prioritize. Experience with Microsoft Office platforms, electronic health systems, and accurate data entry skills. Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required.
Abilities:
Effectively interact and work collaboratively in a flexible work environment with a variety of constituents including clients, community members, property, landlord or leasing offices, family members, and peer providers. Ability to express ideas with clarity, confidence, and sensitivity. Must be able to maintain confidentiality involving clients in accordance with organizational and federal guidelines.
Physical and Emotional Demands:
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job's duties, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger dexterity, handle with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, kneel, crouch, or talk and hear. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds frequently. The job's specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Due to the nature of the content that is handled in the program, anyone who has a history of trauma or suicidality could be at risk of being triggered or re-traumatized. This is especially true for people who have experienced these issues within the past 12 months and therefore we may not recommend this work if their experience is so recent.
Clearance Requirements:
The employee must pass a criminal background check. Certain job functions may require employee to pass a child sexual abuse and other criminal activity as well as a credit check. All staff providing services to staff or clients, must be free of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol, and must be fully able to always perform all required duties.
Working Conditions:
The work environment is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must be available to perform the duties of Central Intake & Diversion services and must be available during assigned shifts between the hours of 830am-5pm, Monday - Friday. The primary office location is in Rockville, Maryland. This position allows hybrid flexibility for non-client centered tasks and or documentation at the discretion of the supervisor after 90 days. The employee must pass a criminal background check. Certain job functions may require
employee to pass a child sexual abuse and other criminal activity as well as a credit check. All staff providing services to staff or clients, must be free of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol, and must be fully able to perform all required duties at all times.
Due to confidentiality and the amount of travel to client locations, the employee must possess a valid drivers license, reliable vehicle, and auto insurance
If you're excited to contribute to life-changing work, apply today and become part of a team that's transforming lives through compassion, expertise, and community connection.
