MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association)
Intake Specialist - Emergency Shelter Placement
MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association), Memphis, Tennessee, us, 37544
Description
The Intake Specialist - Emergency Shelter Placement is responsible for screening and assisting homeless families seeking shelter through online applications or referrals from the Homeless Hotline. They conduct interviews, gather intake information, and mediate family issues while making appropriate shelter referrals. The role promotes a culture of innovation and personal growth, with a focus on lifelong learning. Formerly homeless applicants are encouraged to apply for the position. Requirements
Conduct intake assessments for families experiencing homelessness online or via telephone to determine homeless status, utilize diversion strategies to help families identify immediate resources and support systems, conduct housing mediation activities with family members and friends to determine alternative housing placement, and refer literally homeless families in appropriate shelters, according to eligibility, need, shelter availability, and compliance. Screen families promptly and compassionately, providing the most appropriate services possible Help families solve non-housing problems as needed Mediate on the family’s behalf with a minimum of three collateral contacts to prevent emergency shelter placement if possible Coordinate shelter referrals to unpaid and paid shelter providers as needed according to established procedures Demonstrate effective problem‑solving, decision‑making, and negotiation skills Exercise flexibility within guidelines, when necessary, with respect to addressing client needs Make appropriate and prompt referrals to other service providers Have clients upload documents needed to their CoactionNet application Retrieve and respond to electronic written communications that include referrals and other information in a timely manner Organize client files electronically daily via shared drive, CoactionNet and HMIS Deliver excellence in program delivery and outcomes by promoting 100% accountability for the quality of program performance. Accurately and promptly enter all client data and program entry/exit into CoactionNet, shared drive, and HMIS database daily Compile, scan, and upload the complete client file with client interaction in the required databases after each client interaction Review caseload and dashboard reports to ensure error‑free data entry Maintain accurate, complete client records electronically and in any required database(s) Develop, promote, and utilize technology to advance program efficiencies and service, and partner with shelter providers to ensure appropriate services and shelter placement for clients. Maintain knowledge of community services by networking, to maximize external collaborations to deepen program impact Contact shelters via email daily to check for availability, and document daily availability Ensure that all shelter beds are filled according to shelter guidelines Coordinate shelter intake client appointment times with clients to ensure correct information is provided Communicate current and relevant community resources and shelter information with program leaders, coworkers, and clients Other Responsibilities
Knowledge and belief in Housing First philosophy and strategies Creative thinker with an understanding of strengths‑based case management, motivational interviewing, and progressive engagement Strong communication skills, particularly in listening, mediation, and writing, to support diverse, low‑income, and/or homeless families Detail‑oriented to meet file requirements and contract compliance Assist with reports, audits, and reviews as needed Engage volunteers to increase program efficiency and impact in FY24 Actively participate in housing team, staffing, and other MIFA meetings Collaborate with the housing team to implement best practices for homeless family services Cover caseload in the absence of other Specialists Maintain confidentiality of client and donor information Access to adequately insured automobile and valid driver’s license Provide compassionate services while maintaining professional balance and family self‑determination Knowledge of the HEARTH Act, Family Housing, and homelessness‑related issues preferred Familiarity with trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and Vandenberg wraparound case management methods preferred Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A Physical Demands and Work Environment
The in‑office, physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In‑office requirements: All or the majority of this position is required to be conducted in‑office at MIFA’s physical location or at an assigned MIFA program site for effective performance of essential functions. In‑office requirements ensure staff members remain accessible, connected, and prepared to serve and allow for in‑person collaboration that drives innovation while preserving the flexibility that keeps MIFA agile. Exception: Hotline Representatives who work on‑call seven days a week and after hours. Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 15 to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision. Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Position may also require ongoing or periodic exposure to high‑crime environments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moderate to high levels of stress during peak periods, and atypical work hours are periodically required.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Intake Specialist - Emergency Shelter Placement is responsible for screening and assisting homeless families seeking shelter through online applications or referrals from the Homeless Hotline. They conduct interviews, gather intake information, and mediate family issues while making appropriate shelter referrals. The role promotes a culture of innovation and personal growth, with a focus on lifelong learning. Formerly homeless applicants are encouraged to apply for the position. Requirements
Conduct intake assessments for families experiencing homelessness online or via telephone to determine homeless status, utilize diversion strategies to help families identify immediate resources and support systems, conduct housing mediation activities with family members and friends to determine alternative housing placement, and refer literally homeless families in appropriate shelters, according to eligibility, need, shelter availability, and compliance. Screen families promptly and compassionately, providing the most appropriate services possible Help families solve non-housing problems as needed Mediate on the family’s behalf with a minimum of three collateral contacts to prevent emergency shelter placement if possible Coordinate shelter referrals to unpaid and paid shelter providers as needed according to established procedures Demonstrate effective problem‑solving, decision‑making, and negotiation skills Exercise flexibility within guidelines, when necessary, with respect to addressing client needs Make appropriate and prompt referrals to other service providers Have clients upload documents needed to their CoactionNet application Retrieve and respond to electronic written communications that include referrals and other information in a timely manner Organize client files electronically daily via shared drive, CoactionNet and HMIS Deliver excellence in program delivery and outcomes by promoting 100% accountability for the quality of program performance. Accurately and promptly enter all client data and program entry/exit into CoactionNet, shared drive, and HMIS database daily Compile, scan, and upload the complete client file with client interaction in the required databases after each client interaction Review caseload and dashboard reports to ensure error‑free data entry Maintain accurate, complete client records electronically and in any required database(s) Develop, promote, and utilize technology to advance program efficiencies and service, and partner with shelter providers to ensure appropriate services and shelter placement for clients. Maintain knowledge of community services by networking, to maximize external collaborations to deepen program impact Contact shelters via email daily to check for availability, and document daily availability Ensure that all shelter beds are filled according to shelter guidelines Coordinate shelter intake client appointment times with clients to ensure correct information is provided Communicate current and relevant community resources and shelter information with program leaders, coworkers, and clients Other Responsibilities
Knowledge and belief in Housing First philosophy and strategies Creative thinker with an understanding of strengths‑based case management, motivational interviewing, and progressive engagement Strong communication skills, particularly in listening, mediation, and writing, to support diverse, low‑income, and/or homeless families Detail‑oriented to meet file requirements and contract compliance Assist with reports, audits, and reviews as needed Engage volunteers to increase program efficiency and impact in FY24 Actively participate in housing team, staffing, and other MIFA meetings Collaborate with the housing team to implement best practices for homeless family services Cover caseload in the absence of other Specialists Maintain confidentiality of client and donor information Access to adequately insured automobile and valid driver’s license Provide compassionate services while maintaining professional balance and family self‑determination Knowledge of the HEARTH Act, Family Housing, and homelessness‑related issues preferred Familiarity with trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and Vandenberg wraparound case management methods preferred Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A Physical Demands and Work Environment
The in‑office, physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In‑office requirements: All or the majority of this position is required to be conducted in‑office at MIFA’s physical location or at an assigned MIFA program site for effective performance of essential functions. In‑office requirements ensure staff members remain accessible, connected, and prepared to serve and allow for in‑person collaboration that drives innovation while preserving the flexibility that keeps MIFA agile. Exception: Hotline Representatives who work on‑call seven days a week and after hours. Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 15 to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision. Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Position may also require ongoing or periodic exposure to high‑crime environments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moderate to high levels of stress during peak periods, and atypical work hours are periodically required.
#J-18808-Ljbffr