Coordinated Entry (CE) Diversion Specialist Job Description 

The Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness (GKCCEH) is the HUD-designated lead agency for the MO-604 Continuum of Care (CoC), comprising Jackson County, MO, and Wyandotte County, KS. GKCCEH works to end homelessness by coordinating housing and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, advancing equitable access to resources, and strengthening systems through community collaboration.

The Coordinated Entry Diversion Specialist is the first point of contact for households seeking homeless assistance through the community’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) virtual access point, www.findhelp.org. This role combines direct client support with critical system responsibilities. This position will conduct diversion conversations to help households identify safe alternatives and administer the community’s common assessment tool to determine needs, eligibility, and enrollment into Coordinated Entry. By providing timely, compassionate, and effective interventions, this position helps prevent homelessness whenever possible and ensures that individuals and families in crisis are connected to the most appropriate housing and services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by the CE Diversion Specialist, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. This staff member may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Serve as the primary staff member fielding all findhelp.org referrals into the Coordinated Entry System.

• Conduct diversion and problem-solving conversations with households to explore immediate, safe alternatives to entering the homeless response system.

• Administer the community’s common assessment tool to determine needs, barriers, and eligibility for Coordinated Entry enrollment.

• Provide appropriate referrals and warm handoffs to housing providers, shelters, prevention services, and supportive resources.

• Document all screenings, assessments, diversion efforts, and referrals accurately and promptly in HMIS and other required systems.

• Provide updates to households enrolled in Coordinated Entry waiting for referrals to services. 

• Collaborate with community partners, outreach workers, and housing providers to ensure smooth coordination and equitable access.

• Maintain knowledge of local resources, housing programs, and service eligibility requirements.

• Track diversion and assessment outcomes to support system-level reporting and continuous improvement.

• Comply with all Coordinated Entry policies and procedures

• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of Google and Microsoft platforms 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

• Ability to be flexible and work in a continuously changing environment

• Ability to establish and cultivate professional relationships

• Ability to provide quality customer service

• Ability to engage with clients in challenging situations, including non-traditional settings such as encampments or outdoor locations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience 

• Experience working in the Coordinated Entry System

• Previous experience with case management, completing assessments/intakes

• Lived experience of homelessness is not required, but will be valued

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently, manage time, and prioritize tasks effectively

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency with computers and data entry

• Sound judgment and decision-making skills

• Ability to build trust and positive relationships with diverse populations

• Sensitivity to changing circumstances and client needs

• Program evaluation and reporting skills