About Community Solutions

Community Solutions is a non-profit organization that works to achieve a lasting end to homelessness that leaves no one behind. We envision a more equitable future where homelessness is never inevitable or a way of life, for anyone. Since 2015, we have led Built for Zero, a movement of more than 140 cities and counties using data to radically change how they work and the impact they can achieve — and proving that it is possible to make homelessness rare and brief. Nearly half of those communities have reduced homelessness in their communities, and 13 of those communities have ended veteran or chronic homelessness. In order to help communities equitably and sustainably end homelessness, we are also working to identify solutions that can address gaps in housing, disrupt inflow into homelessness, and produce more racially equitable systems.

Community Solutions seeks leaders at every level: extraordinary, mission-oriented people not satisfied with the status quo. We are a team of values driven innovators motivated by results. We eagerly seek and support diverse applicants. We pride ourselves in developing an inclusive workplace culture that encourages staff to bring their whole selves to work every day.

Position Overview

Community Solutions (CS) is looking for two organized and motivated individuals to join their new Homeless Response team on a contract basis. These positions are fully funded for 3 years from the start date (no later than June 30th). These roles will help establish the team's work under the guidance of the Homeless Response Manager. The focus will be on deploying CS's homeless response services, including hands-on efforts to secure housing for people living in encampments as well as other on-the-ground strategies focused on housing. Responsibilities may involve supporting on-site projects and training local teams in effective strategies.

This position will be on CS’s Community Impact team and will work specifically in high priority communities participating in the Built for Zero network. In addition to supporting individual communities, the Homeless Response Specialist will also work in close coordination with Community Solutions’ staff on broader goals within each community.

A successful Homeless Response Specialist will work closely with the Community Impact Strategy Leads and other relevant Community Solutions departments and staff to maintain effective coordination between CS and external partners supporting this work; refine and improve the encampment to housing model; and coordinate with the Community Impact team in planning and management of regular Built for Zero coaching and project management.

The successful Homeless Response Specialist will regularly gather and harvest insights from their on-the-groundwork, to inform the continued refinement of encampment and homeless response models that can be applied at scale. The Homeless Response Specialist will identify barriers, share solutions, and make strategic connections between community needs and encampment efforts at the city level. It should be noted that this work will require planned travel as well as travel with short term notice as needs emerge. It is expected that this position will travel an average of 2-3 weeks per month.

All of these strategies are critical tools for ending homelessness measurably and equitably. The successful Homeless Response Specialist will be skilled in identifying when each strategy is needed and in drawing on the full resources and capacity of the Homeless Response team to deploy it.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Deliver sustainable capacity to implement Unsheltered and Homeless Response strategies:

Run encampment to housing coaching and other homeless response strategies in selected communities with the support of the Homeless Response Manager

Build out the encampment to housing strategy in coordination with the Homeless Response Team Manager, including scalable elements to be included in the encampment to housing strategy handbook
Diagnose problem areas of homeless response systems and support the implementation of improved practices.
Assess the need for and deliver (or make available) appropriate training to communities, ensuring training is responsive to local and cultural considerations
Identify critical local capacity gaps and propose ways to fill them in support of homeless response strategies.

Support excellent strategy, execution and culture across the Community Impact team:

Participate in regular strategic planning and implementation meetings for Homeless Response and Community Impact initiatives
Ensure project scopes, timelines and work plans are always up to date for relevant projects and assignments
Participate in team-wide system for learning, iteration, knowledge capture and spread
Proactively apply an equity lens

Professional Experience and Qualifications:

Ideal Qualifications

A demonstrated ability to achieve results using at least two critical problem-solving competencies

Facilitation of teams toward shared goals
Quality improvement (QI), improvement science, or continuous improvement

Deep content knowledge and direct experience in the following areas:

Direct outreach or management of efforts to housing individuals living in encampments in coordination with encampment clearance
Evidence-based outreach, housing and service delivery models
Interventions and supports around substance abuse disorder, harm reduction or on demand access to treatment
Housing resource types and coordinated entry system processes
Common state jurisdictional policy, funding, and/or legislative levers that impact housing and homelessness (e.g., Medicaid, Zoning)
Continuum of Care funding and governance structures
Upstream systems and funding structures

Minimum Qualifications

More than five years of previous work experience providing direct outreach services
Strong critical thinking and the ability to engage with complex challenges
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment and demonstrate a willingness to shift easily between various responsibilities with diverse stakeholders
Strong project management skills, as evidenced by leading projects to successful and measurable completion
Experience with facilitation, public speaking, and coaching for improvement.
Passion for ending homelessness, and the belief it is possible.
Demonstrated understanding of structural factors include race and their impact on communities

Collaborative work ethic and a high tolerance for feedback, direct communication, and proactive conflict resolution

Software/Apps Used:

Microsoft Office
Google Business Apps
Asana
Zoom
Slack
Social media software and applications
Salesforce

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is between $88,129 - $112,609. The actual salary is commensurate with the candidate's experience.

Work Environment:

This position can be located anywhere within a reasonable travel distance of partnership locations. Community Solutions neighborhood partnerships are presently located in New York City, Hartford, and Washington DC. Community Solutions has office space available for use in New York City. The position provides for the flexibility to work from a remote location without the standard support available at an office.

Travel Requirements:

Travel may be required to attend semi-annual team retreats, community visits, and other on-site training or convenings. Additional travel may be needed and will be negotiated on an individual basis pending availability.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We strive for inclusivity and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We seek to employ an all-star team of people who vary by their race and ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, age, culture, religion, veteran status, physical and mental abilities. We promote equal opportunity in the recruitment, selection, training, compensation, promotion, and benefits of all employees. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.