Homeless Strategy Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Division: Community and Economic Development Department

Reports To : Assistant City Manager

Pay Range : $58,968 to 75,442 DOQ

Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; some weekends, evenings, and holidays will be required as job duties demand.

SUMMARY:

This is a professional position that is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of data-driven strategies, partnerships and administrative processes focused on ending homelessness for the unhoused population within the City of Decatur. The Homeless Strategy Manager will work collaboratively with internal staff from all departments as well as multiple external partners including DeKalb County, non-profits, other cities and local businesses to address the complex challenges of homelessness. This position serves on the City’s management team and performance measurement team.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate the development of strategies and work plans related to homelessness that engage all facets of the community and identify solutions that are based in data, research, and best practices.
• Develop and recommend policies and programs that are proven or have likelihood of success of reducing and/or preventing homelessness through paths to resilience, self-sufficiency, independence and housing.
• Maximize efficient and effective use of city resources within a coordinated and integrated system of services.
• Coordinate the multiple and diverse partners that are needed to provide the complex and tailored services to each unique individual experiencing homelessness.
• Establish accurate systems to log performance metrics of programs and policies.
• Provide leadership to promote overall direction, management, and oversight of the city’s response to homelessness.
• Support the County’s Continuum of Care response.
• Perform an analysis of services and systems available to the unhoused population and identify gaps in the current environment.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of homelessness, related national and regional trends, best and promising practices, emerging innovations, and effective interventions.
• Identify, seek, and acquire funds beyond city’s immediate resources to result in long-term, meaningful impacts on homelessness.
• Communicate with supervisor, co-workers, elected officials, other government agencies and others as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information and resolve challenges.
• Pursue program and policy development and implementation with a lens of racial equity and in alignment with the City’s current strategic plan.
• Develop training for staff, residents, volunteers and others that engage with the unhoused population.
• Attend community events, City Commission and other public meetings, staff meetings, conferences, and other meetings as directed by the Assistant City Manager.
• Draft and issue letters, memos, and reports, and delivers professional presentations and recommendations at public meetings, as needed.
• Manage relevant City website pages related to homelessness to ensure that information is up to date and is a valuable tool to the community.
• Perform any other daily duties as may be required to accomplish Department goals and objectives as assigned by the Assistant City Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. There is a minimum six-months probationary period upon hiring. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. A written or oral test may be administered during the interview process. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret data and use data to tell a story and solve problems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels within the organization. 
• Skillful at looking beyond traditional approaches and willing to devise creative and bold recommendations.
• Excellent writing, public speaking and facilitation skills are vital. 
• Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative. 
• Open to change, abstract concepts and new information and ideas and adaptable to the same.
• Results Orientation (practical project and time management, sense of urgency, and deadline-driven).
• Must encourage and foster cooperation and teamwork.
• Ability to understand organizational implications of decisions.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, especially in negotiation and problem solving.
• Aptitude and ability to utilize computer resources required by the City including word processing, web-based platforms, spreadsheets, and databases.

SUPERVISORY:

• Manage and participate in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for division.
• Continuously review operational procedures and evaluate work performance to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services and activities.
• Participate in the development and administration of assigned budgets.
• Recruit, train, develop and supervise interns and volunteers as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods.

• Must be able to sit for long periods at a keyboard or work station.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects and materials of heavy weight (50 lbs.).
• Have the ability to walk and stand in an outdoor setting, which may include exposure to weather conditions, such as heat or cold, as well as dust, pollen and allergens.
• Some tasks require visual and sound perception and discrimination and oral communications ability.
• Must be able to drive and operate vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, public or business administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree in related field is preferred.
• Requires 3-5 years of experience in local government or related field.
• Experience with coordinating homelessness, housing or related actives preferably in a public setting.
• Must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C) or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment (or a military waiver).

Any combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Possess a valid Georgia driver’s license (Class C) or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment (or a military waiver).

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time position. This position is exempt from overtime pay. The days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; some weekends, evenings, and holidays will be required as job duties demand.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.