Please fill out your application as fully as possible.  The City evaluates candidates based only on the information provided in the online application.  Do not submit resumes and cover letters.  Read the “To Apply” section below to learn more.

About the Position
The City of Olympia is seeking a Homeless Response Coordinator. Homelessness and its impacts have significant impacts on unsheltered people in our community and require a coordinated and strategic response. Homelessness also has impacts on others.  Olympia and the Homeless Response Coordinator cannot end homelessness alone. The Homeless Response Coordinator will work in coordination with our homeless neighbors and many faith, nonprofit, government and other partners to implement the city’s One Community Plan.  This is a fully benefited project funded position and will last as long as funds are available, projected to be at least two (2) years.

The Homeless Response Coordinator is responsible for

• Implement the City’s One Community: Healthy, Safe, Housed Plan.
• Represent Olympia in regional response and policy development related to unsheltered homelessness and car camping.
• Coordinate relevant COVID-19 Response – Coordinate with Thurston County Department of Health to ensure shelters, unsanctioned encampments, homeless response programs and other services are all implementing recommendations related to COVID-19.
• Manage and maintain emergency response plans and activities including seasonal warming and cooling centers.
• Represent the City and implement system improvement efforts related to homeless outreach, harm reduction, housing placement, shelters, and other relevant services and policies.
• Coordinate with critical stakeholders including people experiencing homelessness, service providers, and other jurisdictions.
• Coordinate camp closures when they must occur and ensure that closures are implemented in communication with homeless individuals and in coordination with service providers.
• Coordinate garbage removal and other health and safety responses to camps and car camping areas.
• Coordinate internal response with multiple city departments and ensure training on subjects like trauma informed care and harm reduction.
• Oversee efforts to support Olympia’s participation in the Thurston County’s Annual Point in Time Census.
• Develop and maintain systems designed to quantify homeless encampment numbers, populations, and distribution.
• Support the increase of capacity for local and regional non-profit groups to add homeless services and facilities.
• Respond to public and other inquiries about homelessness response in Olympia.
• Coordinate with neighbors and local businesses to understand and respond to their concerns regarding the impacts of homelessness.
• Understand and share best practices from a regional and national perspective in responding to homelessness. Coordinate with social service providers, other cities, to implement best practice shelter and housing options.
• Work internally and with other governments to develop policies related to homeless response and COVID-19 or other relevant risks.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Experience working with stakeholders, the community, City, and regional governmental representatives to respond to homelessness through City and County plans in accordance with applicable policy and law.
• Experience working with homeless individuals and organizations supporting those who are homeless.
• Ability to make presentations to community groups, boards, commissions, and councils.
• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality.
• Current knowledge of local and statewide resources available and relevant to responding to homelessness in our region.
• Uphold three keys to success: excellent customer service, technical proficiency, and respectful communications to all.

To Apply

• To evaluate candidates fairly and reduce bias, the City will make all applications anonymous when we are screening applicants.  We will redact information from your application such as name, address and other demographics.  In order to help us with this, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.  We do not accept resumes and cover letters.  If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at 360.753.8305.
• Answer the Supplemental Questions included as part of this advertisement.
• This is a continuous recruitment.  In order to be eligible for the first round of interviews submit your application by 5 p.m. April 19, 2021.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, contact Cary Retlin, Home Fund Manager, by email at cretlin@ci.olympia.wa.us or by calling 360.570.3956.

The essential functions of the position include but are not limited to:

• Working with homeless individuals, stakeholders, the community, and regional governmental representatives to respond to homelessness.
• Consult and cooperate with service providers to support programs and services responding to homelessness.
• Maintain program records in accordance with applicable standards and regulations, grant requirements, etc.
• Make presentations to community groups, boards, commissions, and councils.
• Maintain a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality.
• Current Knowledge of local and statewide resources available and relevant to responding to homelessness in our region.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Understanding of the causes and responses to homelessness.
• Knowledge of community-based behavioral health care and the Coordinated Entry system.
• Knowledge of group facilitation and approaches to stakeholder involvement.
• Knowledge of report writing.
• Knowledge of community development and urban planning principles and practices.
• Possess good organizational and time-management skills, demonstrate good judgment, excellent problem-solving abilities and always maintain a professional demeanor.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated punctual, regular, and reliable attendance is required.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, planning, public administration, or related field.
• Lived experience in homelessness can be counted as work experience.
• Three years of experience in a related field with a preference in working with people experiencing homelessness, affordable housing, or community development.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Must pass a criminal history records check.

Supervision

• This position may supervise up to three individuals.

Working Conditions

• The Homelessness Response Coordinator works in an office most of the time. Approximately 20% to 30% of the Homeless Response Coordinator’s time may be spent in the field visiting homeless encampments, stakeholders, and other interested parties.
• Mobility sufficient for attendance at meetings including occasional visits to homeless encampments that may involve travel on unpaved surfaces and uneven terrain.
• Stress associated with unsheltered homelessness and its effects.
• Stress related to meeting deadlines.
• Stress associated with interacting with the public.
• Stress associated with responding to anger is possible.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce.  Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.