Coordinated Entry Specialist

Job Title: Coordinated Entry Specialist

Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Northwest Florida Region; Office is in Panama City, FL
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt / Full-Time

Position Summary:

Doorways of Northwest Florida is seeking a compassionate, organized, and motivated Coordinated Entry Specialist to serve as a primary point of contact for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

This position uses a triage-based approach to identify immediate needs, provide information about community resources, and connect individuals with appropriate services. The ideal candidate enjoys working with people, communicates effectively, can manage multiple priorities, and thrives in a busy, team-oriented environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to client and community partner inquiries through telephone calls, emails, and walk-in visits.
• Conduct initial screenings to identify client needs and determine appropriate next steps.
• Provide information about available housing assistance programs, community resources, and supportive services.
• Make referrals to appropriate community agencies, service providers, and internal programs based on client needs and eligibility requirements.
• Coordinate with staff and community partners to facilitate referrals and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain current knowledge of community resources, program requirements, and referral procedures throughout the six-county service area.
• Enter and maintain accurate, timely client information, service contacts, and referrals in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Maintain client confidentiality and follow established documentation and data quality requirements.
• Assist clients with computers, housing searches, online applications, and other resources in the Client Resource Room.
• Coordinate client connections to staff responsible for Coordinated Entry assessments and housing assistance.
• Provide backup support for Coordinated Entry assessments as trained and assigned.
• Maintain a welcoming, compassionate, and professional environment while effectively managing multiple responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Must successfully pass and maintain eligibility under a Level 2 background screening.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• At least 3 years of experience working with vulnerable populations (e.g., homeless, mentally ill, substance use disorder, veterans, etc.)
• Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills with the ability to· manage frequent interruptions and prioritize competing responsibilities.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new systems. Experience with HMIS preferred.
• Ability to respond to individuals experiencing stress, frustration, or emotional distress with patience, compassion, and professionalism.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to work in field-based settings.
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and/or housing first approaches.
• Bilingual skills (especially Spanish).
• Familiarity with local Continuum of Care (CoC) processes and Coordinated Entry systems.
• Experience using database management systems.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based in a busy, client-centered environment.
• Frequent interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or other challenging life circumstances.
• Regular computer and telephone use throughout the workday.
• ·Ability to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Duties may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and moving throughout the office to assist clients.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, and other work-related activities.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $17.00 to $18.00 per hour
• Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, mileage reimbursement, and training opportunities.

Why Join Doorways?

At Doorways, we believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Our team works together to help individuals and families navigate challenging circumstances and connect with resources that support housing stability.

If you're a people person who enjoys helping others, solving problems, and making a difference in your community, we'd love to hear from you!

Doorways of Northwest Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person