Diversion Navigator

at  Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis

Are you passionate about creating opportunities for people to thrive?
Catholic Charities is the place for you!

DIVERSION NAVIGATOR

Elliot Park
The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve those most in need and to advocate for justice in the community.
As the need for our services grows and becomes increasingly complex, Catholic Charities is working to adapt and respond. We respond in three ways – preventing poverty, meeting basic needs in times of crisis, and creating pathways out of poverty.
WAGE RANGE: $20.90 - $24.40/hourly
JOB SUMMARY: Catholic Charities is seeking a self-motivated individual who is dedicated and detail-orientated, compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally aware to serve as a Diversion Navigator.
As a primary function of the coordinated assessment system in Ramsey County, you will provide shelter diversion services to families seeking emergency shelter.
You will conduct initial screenings, crisis stabilization services, and diversion eligibility assessments.
You will divert eligible families who would otherwise enter shelter to alternative housing arrangements, and if necessary, connect them with services and financial assistance to help them return to permanent housing.
You must work creatively and expediently to identify all viable solutions; conduct landlord negotiations, conflict resolution, housing search and linkages to mainstream services and maintain productive relationships with internal and external parties for the purpose of providing quality client services.
You are responsible for staying current on housing subsidies and community resources, administering financial assistance, and tracking data and reporting.
Keep abreast of changes in the field and research new methods of service delivery.
This position is an essential component of the Ramsey County Continuum of Care (CoC) coordinated assessment (CA) system and participates in regular CA communication processes and program evaluation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERTISE:

• Post-secondary education preferred, in lieu of post-secondary education, three or more years of experience in like work or position.
• Knowledgeable about housing programs and city regulations including landlord/tenant law and foreclosure processes required
• Experience conducting intake and assessment processes
• Experience with landlord/tenant mediation and conflict resolution required
• Working knowledge of Ramsey County community resources for low-income families, system navigation and assisting people with benefit and program eligibility
• Demonstrated skill in relationship building including excellent interpersonal communication skills both written and verbal required.
• Ability to speak a second language preferred (Spanish, Somali, and Arabic strongly preferred)
• Excellent computer skills including experience with HMIS and Microsoft Office products
• Familiar with coordinated assessment and shelter diversion services preferred
• Ability to work with diverse and/or low-income populations, including those who may be experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, and/or mental illness required.
  JOB CLASSIFICATION: Regular; Full-Time; Hourly; Non-Exempt

PHYSICALLY RESTRAINING CLIENTS

NO
Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Description Updated: 5/16/2025.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all functions that are required of the employee for this job.

• Provide shelter diversion services to families seeking emergency shelter: Conduct initial screening, crisis intervention/referral, and diversion assessments; work with individual families on identifying viable diversion strategies to prevent shelter entrance
• Implement diversion plans that may include landlord/tenant negotiations, conflict resolution, and making connections to a wide variety of community services such as childcare or car repair.
• Work closely and collaboratively with on-site Ramsey County Financial Assistance workers to obtain verifications and connect families to mainstream resources.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with all coordinated assessment collaborative partners including YWCA, Ramsey County, Project Home, The Family Place, school district representatives, domestic violence shelters, 211, youth and veterans Services, and homeless prevention services to ensure families are assigned the correct level and type of service.
• Ensure data tracking requirements are met including caller information and client and program information. Provide reports as assigned.
• Maintain a resource referral database and stay well informed about community resources and various service providers as well as referral procedures.
• Administer financial assistance for eligible families for damage deposits, rent and utility bills, etc. and prepare relevant correspondence and forms as necessary
• Work with Program Manager on program evaluation and goals
• Ensure the program significantly and consistently contributes to the positive community culture that promotes learning, diversity, problem solving, resourcefulness, accountability and excellence in serving homeless families
• Represent Catholic Charities at community events as assigned
• Other duties as assigned.