Coordinated Entry Housing Specialists

The Orange County Housing and Community Development Department has an opening for two Coordinated Entry Housing Specialists***. These positions provide direct customer service to people in housing crisis, assisting people as they navigate housing resources for homelessness prevention, emergency response involving shelter, and permanent housing.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Homeless Programs Coordinator with leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding needs and requests. Does related work as required.

* Background Check required.

***Position is contingent upon Board of County Commissioner approval of the FY 2020-2021 Recommended Budget, beginning 7/1/20.

Examples of Essential Functions: Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.  A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

• Provides information to clients and assist them in housing, problem-solving, relevant program processes, and makes referrals to human service resources;
• Performs walk-in and telephone assessments, and provides trauma-informed care to persons presenting for housing coordinated entry; interviews clients to gather information and lead structured conversations;
• Maintains client documentation and electronic records in accordance with program requirements, policies and accepted professional standards in order to provide accountability for the expenditure of local, state and federal funds;
• Provides direct customer service to service providers, participants, and the general public responding to inquiries, requests and follow up;
• Prepares and presents information regarding coordinated entry to human service agencies, civic and community groups, and individual citizens as requested;
• Contributes to the HOME Committee and Coordinated Entry Planning Group and/or other assigned team(s) by actively participating in team meetings and special projects, processing improvements, collaborating with and supporting all team members, and following through on initiatives and assignments, as directed;
• Embraces and supports all initiatives, policies and procedures within the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, and implements all requirements in accordance with established guidelines;
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as county staff, clients, service providers, community audiences and the general public;
• Performs various administrative tasks including preparing reports and correspondence, preparing meeting materials, and creating reports;
• Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments;
• Attends ongoing training from HUD and technical assistance providers.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Good knowledge of the principles, challenges, practices, and philosophies on ending homelessness, including information gathering, counseling, assessment and intervention methods.
• Good knowledge of trauma-informed care and client-centered practices.
• Good knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors which influence poverty, unemployment and homelessness.
• Good knowledge of the various social and health service functions and interrelationships of the county, other governmental agencies, and community resources, and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
• Good knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to homeless services, such as the HEARTH Act, the McKinney Vento Act, the CoC Interim Rule, and other programs related to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from High School AND three (3) years related work experience in a human service program or homelessness

Direct link to the position