Reports to:  Manager Diversion Services

FLSA Status: Full-time/Exempt/40 Hrs per Week/Grant-funded position

Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Salary: $56,160 - $60,320 DOE.

About Us

​

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007, The Beacon’s mission is to provide essential and next-step services to restore hope and help end homelessness in Houston.  We accomplish this by providing compassionate services to individuals experiencing homelessness with the goal of helping them achieve housing stability and improved well-being.  The Beacon operates the largest drop-in day center in downtown Houston and is a key partner in The Way Home Continuum of Care.  As such, The Beacon serves as the primary entry point for individuals seeking housing and supportive services.

Job Summary

​

The Associate Diversion works directly with individuals and families currently experiencing homelessness to identify immediate, safe alternatives to emergency shelter or encampment living. Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered approach, the Associate Diversion collaborates with clients to explore creative solutions that reconnect them with natural supports and/or stabilize their housing situation, preventing them from entering the homeless response system.

This position requires high emotional intelligence, creativity, professionalism, and critical thinking. The Associate Diversion will engage clients weekly, support housing navigation through community outreach, and participate in collaborative meetings with both Beacon and partner staff.  The location of on-site locations will be at The Beacon Day Center or other partner locations as determined by program supervisors.  The ideal candidate is organized, flexible, and passionate about ending homelessness through responsive, compassionate, and effective engagement.

Key Responsibilities

​

• Engage clients daily

• Provide short-term, intensive case management for individuals and households referred through the Coordinated Entry system.

• Travel offsite to meet with clients at various community agencies and partner locations as needed to conduct outreach and diversion services.

• Facilitate client-driven problem-solving conversations to develop both immediate and long-term goals toward housing stability.

• Provide flexible financial and logistical support (e.g., transportation, move-in assistance, basic needs) to help clients avoid or exit homelessness.

• Participate in weekly collaboration and case conferencing meetings.

• Maintain consistent and professional email communication with internal staff and external partners; respond to partner inquiries in a timely and courteous manner.

• Represent The Beacon professionally and courteously during all interactions with clients, partners, and community members.

• Accurately document client progress, services provided, and outcomes using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and internal agency tracking tools.

• Track and report outcomes in accordance with grant requirements and support quality improvement efforts.

• Support the Director of Housing Services with job-related administrative and programmatic tasks as needed.

• Actively participate in all required training, meetings, and workgroups as directed by The Beacon and The Way Home.

• Provide coverage for Day Center intake and services when needed.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

​

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least 1 year of relevant experience, or Associate degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience.

• Experience working with individuals impacted by homelessness, poverty, trauma, mental illness, or substance use is preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain boundaries and rapport with diverse populations.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a high-paced environment.

• Experience working with individuals impacted by homelessness, poverty, trauma, mental illness, or substance use is preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain boundaries and rapport with diverse populations.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a high-paced environment.

• Positive attitude and passion for the mission and core values of The Beacon.

• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision and to thrive in a high-stimulation environment.

• Proficient with computers and client tracking databases; willingness to learn new systems.

• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision and to thrive in a high-stimulation environment.

• Proficient with computers and client tracking databases; willingness to learn new systems.

• Familiarity with local homeless service providers and housing resources is beneficial.

• Must have a valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and current auto insurance.

• Bilingual or multilingual language skills are a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily field-based with occasional on-site presence at meetings and events.

• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and remain seated for extended periods.

• Comfortable working in dynamic, non-traditional environments.