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:
Support excellent strategy, execution and culture across the Community Impact team:
Professional Experience and Qualifications:
Ideal Qualifications
A demonstrated ability to achieve results using at least two critical problem-solving competencies
Minimum Qualifications
Collaborative work ethic and a high tolerance for feedback, direct communication, and proactive conflict resolution
Software/Apps Used:
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.