Intake Specialist, HIP in Tucson, Arizona at Primavera Foundation

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND JOB SUMMARY

The Primavera Foundation is a non-profit community development organization that has been providing pathways out of poverty and strengthening the Tucson community since 1983, through a variety of programs and services. The Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Program (HIP), located at 702 S. 6th Ave near downtown Tucson, offers a range of services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other low-income individuals and families to assist in addressing basic needs and identifying and accessing resources.

The Intake Specialist serves participants that are seeking housing solutions through Primavera’s HIP drop-in center, and works one on one with participants to complete housing assessments including but not limited to triage, diversion and Coordinated Entry referral. The Intake Specialist also provides housing resources, and assists with referrals to shelter.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by leadership):

• Conduct housing assessments in person and by phone, ensuring proper documentation and accurate referrals are made to the county same day.
• Complete intake interviews for ES housing programs and fully execute intake paperwork.
• Create and maintain HMIS electronic records and case notes for participants, ensuring that data is entered same day, while maintaining 99% data accuracy and completeness.
• By creating an environment of empowerment and utilizing a strengths-based philosophy, refer participants to eligible services and provide necessary support to reduce barriers and establish linkages to housing and other services.
• Participate in required meetings and trainings internally and in coordination with collaborators.
• Cross train with other ES staff to promote knowledge and skills and to ensure adequate coverage of daily operations, and to provide back up to programs as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge of shelter resources in the community, and use current internal process to refer participants to Primavera shelters.
• Maintain professional relationships and boundaries with participants, and follow confidentiality policies.
• Adhere to and demonstrate Primavera’s guiding principles of integrity, respect, accountability, compassion, and leadership.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Superb knowledge of community resources for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and the ability to offer referrals to those resources spontaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to seamlessly multi-task between telephone, documents, and data entry during service delivery.
• Work independently with minimal daily supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations of participants, volunteers, staff, local public agencies and organizations.
• Effectively manage stress in a fast-paced work environment.
• Assess and evaluate situations and respond in a professional and safe manner.
• Ability to positively embrace change and to make course corrections as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least one year of professional social services work experience as a resource specialist or case manager.
• Proficiency with computer systems and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency (and minimum one year of experience) with computer database systems for entering data and tracking referral information.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and gain trust with diverse individuals.
• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s license, clean driving record, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Level 1 fingerprint clearance card, or ability to obtain upon hire.

Please note: A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Demonstrated ability to articulate and implement best practices in housing services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate and implement best practices working with people living in poverty/at risk of homelessness.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate office noise levels
• Ability to meet with clients in an office setting and facilitate deskwork processes on a full workday basis.
• Visual acuity and hand dexterity to discern information, complete records and reports, and enter data information into the computer system.
• Ability to climb up stairs and travel to other locations as needed for home visits, meetings, etc.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.