Community Coordinator - Housing Department, Homelessness Response Division

The City of San José Housing Department’s mission is to strengthen and revitalize the community through housing and neighborhood investments. The department has funded over 20,000 affordable apartments, oversees the Rent Stabilization Program, and implements innovative programs to preserve restricted affordable housing. It also leads efforts to make homelessness rare, brief, and one-time through the Community Plan to End Homelessness, a collaborative public-private partnership.

About the role

The Community Coordinator is a crucial member of the Homelessness Response Team, focusing on the City's broad response to homelessness. This role involves coordinating and implementing outreach efforts to address the immediate needs of unhoused individuals and families, including street-based services, crisis response, case management, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to homeless encampments, responding to community concerns and addressing the needs of both housed residents and those experiencing homelessness.
• Provide case management support, facilitating access to individualized services, assessments, shelter, and housing options.
• Work closely with city departments, non-profit organizations, and community partners to coordinate a comprehensive response to homelessness.
• Document all outreach activities and interactions in HMIS and other databases, maintain records, and prepare reports.
• Assist clients with accessing public benefits and assistance as appropriate.
• Conduct VI-SPDATS assessments to determine client vulnerability and appropriate housing or service program referrals.
• Coordinate transportation for clients to shelters or other destinations.
• Respond to crisis-related calls and concerns within the same day of the request.
• Perform contact and liaison work, explaining and interpreting City programs.
• Process reports and data tracking through ERCS and HMIS.
• Coordinate with governmental agencies, local businesses, and City departments to provide information on accessing services.
• Render first aid in case of injury.
• Provide bilingual translation, both orally and in writing, if required.
• Make timely and accurate decisions in emergencies or crises, prioritizing the safety of clients, staff, and volunteers.

Requirements

• Completion of two (2) years of course work at an accredited college or university, including courses in social science.
• Three (3) years of experience in work related to inter-group relations, delinquency or homeless prevention, public health, youth or social development, blight reduction, or community safety programs.
• Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.

Additional related experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following desirable experience, knowledge, and skills:

• Knowledge of national best practices in providing homeless services and experience with government programs transitioning homeless individuals into transitional and permanent affordable housing.
• Five years’ direct experience providing services to the homeless community.
• Ability to establish excellent working relationships with external organizations, City staff, homeless populations, and key stakeholders.
• Ability to carry out detailed analytical assignments and make sound judgments and recommendations.
• Ability to coordinate resources (case management, subsidies, and housing units) for homelessness reduction programs.
• Ability to organize work effectively, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide leadership to ensure programs are run effectively and efficiently.
• Positive attitude and desire to learn the City’s approach to affordable housing.

Competencies:

• Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures, and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Collaboration: Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.
• Problem Solving: Defines problems, collects information, and uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing; demonstrates effective listening skills.

Pay

The salary range for this classification is $92,426.88 - $112,432.32, including an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The actual salary will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time position, typically scheduled Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Flexibility is required, as the role may involve early morning, evening, or weekend work depending on community concerns and outreach activities. This is a limit-dated position anticipated to be funded through June 30, 2027, subject to further extension.