Diversion Specialist
Company : Services For The Underserved
Location : New York, NY, 10033
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Min
USD $40,129.00/Yr.Max
USD $40,129.00/Yr.Position Overview
Services for the UnderServed (S:US) is currently seeking a Diversion Specialist for our homeless prevention program.
The Diversion Specialist will coordinate the intake and referral process for adult diversions at DHS identified shelters.
Essential Functions:• Assess shelter applicants directly referred from single and adult family intake centers; serve as the first point of contact.• Enter all Intake and referral information in CARES in a timely manner for Diversions and Aftercare.• Develop individualized housing plan.• Conduct home visits for furnished rooms/apartments.• Provide general case management including coordination and delivery of services relating to housing stability.• Entitlement referral and advocacy.• Meet with participants as needed for follow-up and recommendations.• Meet daily targeted quota for program.• Assist participants in identifying, locating, obtaining and exploring alternatives to shelter (reuniting with family/friends, return to previous living situation, refer to relevant treatment facilities, room rental etc) and retaining suitable housing.• Participate in meetings to promote the program.• Cultivate, develop and maintain productive relationships with referral agencies that are related to retaining housing.• Actively participate in internal and external training programs and committees.• Assure program participants’ rights are protected.• Perform such other duties as may be required.• Maintain case notes for each interaction with clients in CARES.• Complete all individual Diversion folders prior to submitting to Supervisor for review.• Participate in bi-weekly supervision.
•Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelors Degree in Human Service or related field or High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 2 years applicable experience.
•Working knowledge of homelessness, substance abuse, criminal justice, HIV/AIDS.•Bilingual and/or Bi-cultural preferred.
•Experience working with Microsoft Office.
Company Overview
S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Join a team of employees who cares about the wellbeing of others. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and development. From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, explore all that we offer on our Benefits Page and see how S:US invests in you.
We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.
S:US is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Leave Team at MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.
ID
2025-17824Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
In NYC, a Diversion Specialist crafts personalized housing plans by exploring options like reunification with family or room rentals. They engage with referral agencies and conduct home visits to ensure stability, addressing complex urban housing dynamics unique to a dense metropolitan environment.
Key skills include case management, intake coordination, and advocacy for housing entitlements. Proficiency in data entry systems like CARES and cultural competence, especially bilingual abilities, are essential to effectively support diverse populations facing homelessness.
Advancing often involves gaining certifications in human services or social work, along with training in substance abuse and criminal justice systems. Continuous involvement in internal and external professional development boosts expertise and opens doors to supervisory or program management positions.
S:US fosters a culture emphasizing respect, integrity, and continuous improvement. Employees experience a supportive environment with comprehensive wellness benefits and a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, aligning with a mission-driven approach to social impact.
This role uniquely integrates direct intake coordination with aftercare case management, emphasizing individualized housing plans and active community partnerships. The position requires balancing daily intake quotas with advocacy, all within a well-established nonprofit known for its holistic support services.
The salary for this role is set at approximately $40,129 annually, aligning with entry to mid-level social service roles in NYC. While competitive for nonprofit settings, specialists with bilingual skills or additional certifications may command higher compensation.
Given NYC’s extensive public transit, commuting from outer boroughs is common but can vary in duration. Specialists often rely on subways and buses, so proximity to major transit hubs improves daily logistics, which is critical for managing time between shelter sites and home visits.
Yes, rising homelessness has led to greater demand for diversion and prevention specialists in NYC. Agencies like S:US are expanding programs, so candidates with experience in housing stability and community coordination are increasingly sought after.
Competence in Microsoft Office and data management platforms like CARES is essential for tracking client intake and referral processes. Familiarity with digital case notes and reporting tools facilitates timely service coordination and compliance with program standards.
Specialists are trained to protect client confidentiality and dignity, ensuring informed consent and equitable access to housing alternatives. The organization’s policies mandate respect for participant rights, with ongoing training reinforcing ethical case management practices.