Skagit Coordinated Entry Specialist

Benefits:

• Vacation and Sick Time: accruals are based on hours worked, available to use after 30 days of employment.
• Holidays: 8 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA) – medical & dependent care
• Free Employee Assistance program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
• Paid travel time between clients; Mileage reimbursement; and free trainings

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Coordinated Entry Specialist serves as an alternate point of contact for Skagit County residents, providing one-on-one assistance to clients facing multiple barriers on their journey towards Coordinated Entry enrollment. This role offers enhanced support beyond the call center, including in-person assistance when necessary. The Coordinated Entry Specialist plays a crucial role in connecting households experiencing homelessness to the Housing Interest Pool (HIP) and offering at-risk households referrals to Eviction Prevention services. Additionally, this position educates clients about the Coordinated Entry system, leveraging the 211 resource database to refer them to community partners for further support in case management, government benefits, and basic needs.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES:

• Serve as an alternate contact for clients seeking entry into the Coordinated Entry system, providing individualized guidance and support to help them navigate available resources and services.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify clients’ unique needs, challenges, and strengths.
• Educate clients on the Coordinated Entry system and provide referrals to community resources, utilizing the 211 resource database for services such as case management, government benefits, and basic needs.
• Assist clients in enrolling in the Housing Interest Pool (HIP) and connect at-risk households with Eviction Prevention resources as needed.
• Connect clients with appropriate community resources, including low-income housing options, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, food banks, and more, tailored to their individual needs.
• Perform administrative tasks, including document processing, data entry in HMIS, and case support functions.
• Provide follow-up with clients who have not checked in within 60 days to ensure ongoing engagement with the Coordinated Entry system.
• Answer inquiries from the collaborative Skagit CE email account, responding to requests for documentation or information, and escalate client concerns or requests for additional assistance to the Program Manager as needed.
• Assist in document collection for clients who are prioritizing for HIP.
• Represent North Sound 211 and VOAWW at community resource events, fairs, and partner meetings, serving as a visible representative in the community.
• Attend and contribute to both internal and external meetings, maintaining productive relationships with partner agencies in a supportive role, deferring to the Program Manager as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including assessments, case notes, and progress reports, in compliance with agency policies and regulations.
• Notify the Program Manager of any data quality issues to ensure awareness during audits for data quality and accuracy.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Communicate referral processes and referral matches with referral providers and referred households.
• Undertake other responsibilities as assigned to support the mission, goals, and needs of the organization and its clients.

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QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, etc.).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing services, social work, or a related field, with at least half of it involving direct, in-person assistance.

• Adeptness in computer applications and data entry, demonstrating proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated experience in working with homeless populations and a deep understanding of housing barriers faced by vulnerable individuals and families.
• Familiarity with housing resources, subsidy programs, and rental assistance available in Skagit County.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including clients and housing providers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and partner agencies to achieve program goals.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic diversity and a commitment to working with individuals and families in a non-judgmental and culturally competent manner.
• Familiarity with the Skagit Coordinated Entry system, and previous HMIS experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Skagit-based Coordinated Entry programs, and eligibility criteria.
• Experience in providing warm handoffs, ensuring a client-centered approach.
• Strong organizational skills and an unwavering attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, exercising initiative and sound judgment.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (position requires traveling to in person meetings and trainings).