Intake Specialist I

The City of Roanoke is seeking an Intake Specialist to conduct standardized assessments for families living in emergency shelter or for those who are precariously housed to identify housing barriers and determine the type and level of service needed. Implement housing assignments ensuring a warm transfer from shelter to housing program providers. Implement case conferencing with providers when assignments are in question. Responsible for obtaining family verifications, background checks, and other information that may be needed to meet provider eligibility criteria. Communicate frequently with providers ensuring eligibility criteria are accurate and assignments are effective. Work closely with prevention and shelter staff to obtain income verifications and to maintain family data for wait lists and assignments. Responsible for client data tracking. Keep abreast of changes in the field and research new methods of service delivery. This position is an essential component of the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care coordinated assessment (CA) system. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major work in sociology or related field preferred; one to three years related experience and/or training in social services work; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate drivers license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Identify needs and possible sources of help. Provide standardized assessments to families who have entered local shelters or who are precariously housed (e.g. a car, doubled-up situation).
• Obtain household verifications and background checks as required by funders. Manage the assignment process ensuring the household is connected to the most suitable intervention as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• Conduct case conferencing to allow provider input on assignments, as needed.
• Conduct initial screenings via phone or during walk-in hours to identify housing needs; utilize shelter diversion or external non-housing resources.
• Maintain productive relationships with all coordinated assessment partners.
• Ensure data tracking requirements are met including caller information and client and program information. Provide reports as assigned.
• Extensive data entry in Homeless Management Information System database.
• Conduct community presentations to partner agencies.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
  SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilitiesQUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major work in sociology or related field preferred; one to three years related experience and/or training in social services work; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as laws, policies, and regulations. Ability to prepare reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, or oral form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Possession of a valid appropriate drivers license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands 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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
Employment Type: Full-Time