Job Description
Diversion Advocate 3.5 3.5 out of 5 stars 5240 Fountain Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307 $20 an hour - Full-time
NORTHWEST INDIANA COMMUNITY ACTION CORP 20
reviews $20 an hour - Full-time FUNCTION
Reporting to the Manager of Homeless Resources, the Diversion Advocate delivers housing-focused, client-centered services designed to prevent homelessness through immediate intervention, housing problem-solving, and stabilization planning. Diversion Advocacy is a strategic, short-term approach that assists individuals and families seeking shelter or at risk of eviction or foreclosure to identify safe alternative housing arrangements, resolve immediate housing crises, and connect to financial assistance and supportive services. This approach reduces the likelihood of future homelessness and aligns with HUD's focus on housing stability, financial capability, and sustainable outcomes . The Diversion Advocate provides individualized coaching, assessment, and housing counseling-informed services to support households in achieving and maintaining stable housing. This role combines crisis intervention, housing navigation, and financial coaching, with services delivered both in-office and in the community. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Intake, Assessment & Client Engagement Conduct comprehensive, client-centered assessments to evaluate housing instability, including risk of eviction or foreclosure Utilize trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to engage households Determine eligibility and appropriateness for Diversion and related services Housing Crisis Resolution & Diversion Planning Apply structured housing problem-solving techniques to prevent shelter entry Identify safe alternatives to homelessness, including family reunification, shared housing, and relocation strategies Develop individualized Housing Stabilization Plans with clear, measurable goals Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Provide direct intervention to prevent eviction and foreclosure, including: o Landlord and lender mediation o Lease compliance and tenancy support o Navigation of eviction and foreclosure processes Connect clients to legal, financial, and housing counseling resources Housing Stability & Financial Capability (HUD- Aligned) Deliver housing counseling-informed services consistent with HUD standards, including: o Budgeting and financial assessment o Housing affordability planning o Financial capability coaching Support clients in achieving long-term housing stability Financial Assistance & Resource Coordination Assess eligibility for Diversion financial assistance Ensure strategic and appropriate use of funds to resolve housing crises Coordinate with internal and external partners to support stabilization Coordinated Entry (CE) & System Navigation Complete Coordinated Entry (CE) and CE-DV assessments as appropriate Refer households to CE when Diversion is not a safe or viable option Participate in case conferencing and system coordination Field-Based Service Delivery Provide services in community settings, including: o Home visits o Landlord and lender meetings o Off-site client engagement Serve clients across CoAction's full service area Case Management, Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in HMIS and agency systems Ensure case files reflect assessments, services, and outcomes Adhere to HUD, CARF, and funder requirements Community Collaboration Build and maintain relationships with landlords, lenders, and service providers Coordinate referrals and promote Diversion services in the community Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement Participate in performance monitoring and quality improvement activities Use data to improve service delivery and outcomes Engage in ongoing training and professional development Compliance & Professional Standards Follow all federal, state, and local program requirements Fulfill mandated reporter responsibilities under Indiana law Attend required trainings and meetings PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS & OUTCOMES
Performance will be evaluated based on: Percentage of households successfully diverted from shelter Reduction in eviction and foreclosure outcomes Timeliness of housing crisis resolution Housing stability at 30, 60, and 90 days Quality and compliance of documentation Effective use of financial assistance Client engagement and successful completion of stabilization plans MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred, or equivalent experience Minimum one year experience working with individuals and families in crisis or housing instability Knowledge of housing resources, eviction and foreclosure processes preferred Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently in both office and field settings CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must obtain HUD Housing Counseling Certification within 60 days of hire Must demonstrate ability to apply HUD standards in service delivery WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS
Primarily field-based with travel throughout CoAction's service area Regular home visits, landlord/lender meetings, and community engagement Flexible schedule required to meet client needs ORGANIZATION
Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency for Northwest Indiana, founded in 1965, CoAction's mission is to ensure people experiencing financial hardship find opportunities, resources, and respect. Serving residents in Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, LaPorte, Pulaski, and Starke Counties.
