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CO
City of Lakewood (CA)
Homeless Services Coordinator
Career Insights for Social / Human Services Specialist
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What they do
A Social or Human Services Specialist identifies and arranges community services for clients. Can involve coordination of services for people with disabilities or those in recovery. They may also coordinate housing or job training assistance for immigrants, veterans, former inmates or families in crisis and can be involved in advocating for client needs.
$55,056 / year median in California
+16% projected growth
Job Description
Under general supervision of the Director of Public Safety, or designee, plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates the City's homelessness outreach programs, services and initiatives; performs field outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness; coordinates contracted homeless services; collaborates with local government agencies, law enforcement and community organizations; supervises assigned staff and contract personnel; assists in the development and administration of homeless services programs, contracts and grants; and performs related work as required. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Serves as the City's point person for homelessness resources and questions Plans, oversees, coordinates, reviews and evaluates homeless outreach and engagement programs and services Coordinates the City's response to homelessness-related issues with City departments, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, contracted service providers, regional agencies, and other community partners to ensure timely and effective service delivery Provides direct field outreach, engagement and resource coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness, including referrals to shelter, housing, behavioral and physical health services, substance abuse treatment, employment training, and other supportive services Works with Sheriff's Department personnel to provide outreach and engagement to the homeless population and enforcement of local and state law, as necessary Responds to resident inquiries and complaints regarding homelessness-related issues Coordinates, supervises, schedules and evaluates the work of assigned City staff and contracted homeless service liaisons Supervises, schedules, directs, evaluates and plans work assignments for subordinate staff engaged in the removal and cleanup of homeless-related encampments, trash, and other related items Administers the City's homeless service liaison contracts, shelter bed program contract, and other homeless outreach service contracts Collects, analyzes and reports data related to homelessness programs, service utilization, performance measures and program outcomes Prepares reports, correspondence, staff reports, presentations, grant reports and other documentation regarding homeless services programs and activities Assists in developing departmental policies, procedures and best practices relating to homelessness programs Assists in developing and monitoring homeless services and program budgets Assists in identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant applications supporting homelessness programs and assists in administering grant awards, including programmatic and financial reporting Prepares and presents oral presentations before neighborhood groups, community organizations, civic groups, elected officials and other interested parties to disseminate information, answer questions and promote the City's homelessness outreach and engagement programs Conducts and participates in public outreach and education programs Develops educational materials, website content, social media communications and other public information related to homelessness programs and services Keeps the Director of Public Safety, or designee, informed of current trends, issues and developments related to homeless outreach and engagement programs and services Assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends and holidays
Education and Experience :
Any combination of education and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, is qualifying. A typical example would be graduation with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, social/behavioral science, social work, sociology, human services, criminal justice, business administration or related field and two years of experience administering or coordinating homelessness programs and services, human services programs, case management, grant administration, or closely related programs in a governmental or nonprofit organization with an emphasis on homeless services, data analysis and evaluation and policy development. One year of lead or supervisory experience is desirable. Experience working with diverse agencies and community groups in a local government or non-profit agency is desirable.Licenses:
Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record.Knowledge of:
Municipal government organization and functions, including the implementation of programs and services for homelessness; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations that govern homelessness; local homeless service coordination efforts including Los Angeles County Continuum Care, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative and other local activities to address homelessness; best practices in homeless service delivery systems; principles of effective oral communication; public relations principles and practices; basic knowledge of program budgeting and expenditure control; principles and techniques of effective report writing; safety principles and practices; principles and practices of supervision and training; marketing and promotion of activities; general office procedures; and Windows-based word processing, spreadsheet and database software (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel,). Skills & Abilities to: Coordinate work of contract partners and support personnel plan, organize, implement and evaluate homeless outreach and engagement programs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of homeless program goals; conduct research and develop and assess survey and analyze data; assist in managing program budgets; write fluently and effectively; communicate logically and cogently; train, meet and communicate effectively with community members and residents of diverse backgrounds; supervise and train subordinate staff; establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with peers, officials and members of the general public contacted in the course of work; provide direct service to homeless individuals and/or families; communicate effectively with persons displaying psychological and substance-induced behaviors such as depression, anger and confusion; effectively manage multiple priorities; use personal computers, learn and use the City's software programs necessary to perform the job.Physical and Mental Demand s:
Ability to read, write, type, operate office tools and equipment such as a computer, calculator, pencils and pens; ability to work with persons displaying psychological and substance-induced behaviors such as depression, anger and confusion; ability to drive city vehicles; be at work daily, communicate orally in writing and over the phone; ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; stand ,walk and sit for extended periods of time; and the ability to see and hear within normal ranges.Environmental Conditions:
Exposure to vehicular traffic, inclement weather and the elements of working out in the field. May be exposed to noise, dust, fumes, solvents or chemicals. The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes: Retirement Formula- The City participates in the CalPERS retirement system 2% at 55 for "classic" CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for "new" CalPERS members 2. The City does not participate in Social Security Generous Leave Programs
- 13 paid holidays; sick leave; and two weeks annual vacation (three weeks after three years, four weeks after 15 years) Health Insurance
- Cafeteria benefit plan includes medical and dental options (City participates in the CalPERS medical insurance plans).