Overview The Prevention-Diversion Worker provides the full range of services offered in the Prevention/ Diversion Program in adherence with the “Operating Standards for the Prevention/Diversion Program”. S/he completes the screening and intake protocol for individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis; provides diversion services and targeted prevention to resolve the immediate housing crisis; and initiates referrals to other organizations as appropriate. S/he provides outreach to engage people “living in the rough” to obtain housing assistance.

Description The Prevention-Diversion Worker is responsible for:

- providing pre-screening, screening, intake and triage as per the coordinated intake protocols (CIP) and staffs the coordinated access location(s)
- providing general housing assistance or information on a limited basis to the general public
- providing outreach services to those “living in the rough” to understand their housing need and begin the engagement and triage process
- triaging individuals and families who seek assistance for their housing crisis through administration of screening and coordinated access protocols;
- implementing diversion strategies as appropriate and consistent with the screening and intake results;
- completing intakes to verify tenancy problems, housing barriers, risks, wellness, financial needs, and other issues for those who cannot be diverted or have been transferred from the Emergency Shelter Program;
- addressing the immediate housing crisis based on the intake results and needs of the individual or family through the provision of brief intervention services within a shared accountability approach which may or may not include referral to an emergency shelter, if homeless;
- providing prevention/ diversion services to clients referred from the emergency shelter system;
- assisting in developing a plan within a brief intervention approach that decreases the likelihood of a future or recurrent housing crisis (“homelessness proofing”) including assisting with connections to other services for longer term supports;





preventing imminent evictions by negotiating with landlords and consulting with community legal services as required; working within the established institutional discharge protocols so that persons who are being discharged from institutions have a housing or shelter plan prior to discharge;

- assessing eligibility, coordinating financial plan and assisting clients in completing the application for the Homelessness Prevention Fund as appropriate. Coordinating details of and developing a plan to avoid future applications to the Fund;

participates in system-wide Prevention/Diversion Program meetings and seeks out the Prevention/ Diversion Coordinator for support and technical assistance as required as necessary, supports clients through the eviction process, helping them to locate housing resources in the community and providing follow-up services when necessary

- excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Required Skills and Knowledge

- knowledge of homelessness and affordable housing issues within the community and the strategies to end chronic homelessness which are identified the 10 year Municipal Housing and Homelessness Plan (Dec 2013);
- ability to apply the principles of a Housing First approach in day to day work and interactions with the client;
- knowledge of the resources in the community for individuals, youth and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living in poverty, or living with mental health or addiction issues and skilled at brokering services for client appropriate to the responsibilities of the job;
- ability to assist in the housing process appropriate to the specific job responsibilities
- ability to integrate harm reduction approaches as appropriate in daily interactions with clients;
- ability to use assertive engagement techniques as appropriate in interactions with the client;
- competence in the administration and interpretation of the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT, PR VI-SPDAT and full SPDAT) depending on job responsibilities;
- understanding of psycho-social rehabilitation, recovery model motivational interviewing and journey of change and its influence on client outcomes;




- ability to identify and assess risk and implement strategies which minimize risk to self, the client, and others;
- knowledge of and adherence to privacy legislation and policies within the organization related to confidentiality of client information;
- robust problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills within a solution-focused framework;
- knowledge of Residential Tenancy Act and role of Landlord Tenant Board in landlord-tenant disputes;
- excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- ability to enter client data and information including SPDAT scores and case notes into HIFIS as required
- the ability to negotiate and mediate difficult situations and produce positive results
- ability to function as a participating member of the team and understand the work of the team as part of a broader system to end chronic homelessness
- background in systems work, data analysis and supporting the work of others to achieve system goals;
- supports a learning culture that stays up to date with the main currents of thought and practice in the delivery of housing first programs
- ability to apply prevention and targeted intervention strategies
- ability to work closely with adolescent care workers (youth Prevention Diversion Worker)
- demonstrated knowledge of homelessness, mental health/ addiction issues, and resources available
- ability to work independently and as part of a team
- ability to work collaboratively in community settings
- computer-competency in areas relevant to job expected
- knowledge of housing, health care and community resources in Kingston preferred

Qualifications and Requirements

- university degree or community college diploma in a related discipline
- minimum three years work experience in human services
- possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle, with appropriate insurance
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training or related training
- First Aid and CPR
- CPIC – vulnerable sector required prior to employment

Hours of Work

- 35 hours per week
- Monday – Friday, daytime and evening shifts
- shared on call responsibilities with team

Pay: $53,439.00-$65,608.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress

Education:
- DCS / DEC (required)

Experience:
- social service: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Prevention Diversion Case Manager - Full Time Contract (Kingston)
🏢 One Roof - Home Base Housing
📍 Kingston