Programs Intake Specialist

Title:  Programs Intake Specialist

Reports to: Executive Director

Department: Programs 

☒ Full-time

☒ Exempt
 

About DCM:

Our mission at Decatur Cooperative Ministry is to help families facing homelessness settle into safe, stable homes and build healthy lives filled with peace, hope and opportunity.

We have a long history of working towards this goal.

Founded in 1969, Decatur Cooperative Ministry was originally a “seed-planting” organization: DCM identified gaps in local needs, started programs to address them, and then handed these programs off to local churches.

By the early 1980s, DCM had shifted its focus from incubating several programs to nurturing just a few. These services—which eventually became our current transitional housing, shelter, and homelessness prevention programs—helped families prevent, endure, and overcome homelessness.

DCM has continued to expand upon its programs since the development of the core three in the 1980s; now also offering rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing programs, our programs span the entire spectrum of currently recognized homelessness interventions.

To accomplish this, DCM partners with 35 congregations from 14 denominations as well as private foundations, universities and schools, government agencies, community groups, and local businesses.

Position Summary: 

Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) is a faith-based nonprofit committed to helping families and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness achieve safe, stable housing. We are seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Programs Intake Specialist to serve as the first point of contact for shelter, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention services.

The Intake Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring a trauma-informed and client-centered intake process. This position conducts eligibility screening, gathers documentation, and coordinates internal referrals while maintaining accurate records and upholding the dignity and privacy of all participants.

Because our target communities and colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds, applicants need to be able to thoughtfully navigate issues related to diversity, race, equity and inclusion, and bring a deep commitment to advancing these values. You’ll also need to bring a strong commitment to excellence and true collaboration, an ability to work quickly but carefully, and appreciation for/patience, and developing and growing your team members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Client Engagement & Screening:
• Serve as the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking shelter, rental assistance, or homelessness prevention services.
• Conduct initial screenings and intake interviews via phone, in person, or online, using standardized tools and trauma-informed practices.
• Explain program services, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements clearly and respectfully.

Eligibility & Documentation:
• Assess eligibility for DCM programs and make timely referrals to appropriate internal programs or external partners.
• Collect and verify necessary documentation including identification, income, residency, and proof of crisis or need.
• Maintain confidential, up-to-date case files and database entries (e.g., Apricot, HMIS, or other systems).

Administrative Support:
• Coordinate intake appointments, follow-up calls, and appointment reminders.
• Maintain waitlists and appointment schedules in collaboration with program staff.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and tracking client flow and outcomes.
• Support the team during audits, monitoring visits, and reporting periods.

Internal Collaboration:
• Communicate clearly with shelter, rapid rehousing, and prevention staff about referrals and program capacity.
• Participate in team meetings and case review discussions.
• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere for all clients and visitors.

Other Duties Assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1–3 years of experience in a direct service or intake position, preferably in a shelter, housing, or nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with eligibility documentation for housing programs (e.g., HUD, ESG, CoC, or local initiatives).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to manage difficult conversation compassionately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• A passion for social justice and commitment to the mission of DCM. 
  
  Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with homeless or low-income populations.
• Knowledge of local resources in DeKalb County and metro Atlanta.
• Prior experience with HMIS or similar data systems.
   

Required Competencies

• Proven ability to prioritize and deliver on tight deadlines;
• Experience managing across and collaborating with diverse teams, personalities and expectations;
• Maintain a can do and solutions oriented attitude in all situations, especially tough situations;
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekend;
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible with changing priorities, rapid response situations, and communicate clearly about deadlines and projects;
• Strong sense of organization and time management skills;
• Ability to work autonomously as well as in deep collaboration;
• Strong sense of urgency while remaining calm under pressure; and 
• Commitment to the mission of DCM.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with homeless or low-income populations.
• Knowledge of local resources in DeKalb County and metro Atlanta.
• Prior experience with HMIS or similar data systems.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience working as a member of a remote or geographically dispersed team.
• Experience with wearing multiple hats.
• Profound social skills and excellent customer service. 
• Ability to express the required competency for making a difference. 

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• We are not responsible for any COVID or communicable exposure
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods, reach with hands, fingers, and arms and speak and hear clearly
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• May infrequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 
• The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate
•  

Compensation and Benefits:

$22–$24/hour (DOE)

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Must have reliable means of transportation to work and work-related functions. 

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this position successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

DCM is an equal opportunity employers. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.

TO APPLY: 

Send resume to careers@decaturcooperativeministry.org