Homeless Outreach and Encampment Response Manager - Limited Term

San Mateo County Human Services Agency (HSA) is seeking a Homeless Outreach and Encampment Response Manager to oversee the County’s homeless outreach programs (~$17M), including Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT) and Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) field teams.

About the role

This position manages grant implementation, coordinates county programs and community-based contracted partners, and ensures performance goals for ERF and HOT grants are met. The Manager will build the service delivery system, track and report grant progress, and establish communication channels with county departments, community partners, city leaders, and State representatives. The role involves reporting to high-level executive County leadership and the State on project goals and milestones.

The Homeless Outreach and Encampment Response Manager will collaborate with the Fiscal and Contracts & Grants Teams to serve as the County’s liaison with the State Department of Housing and Community Development, monitor program activities, and report outcomes to agency, state, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of Outreach services and ERF outreach grant-funded services.
• Project Management:
  • Plan and oversee projects related to ERF and HOT implementation and performance goals.
  • Prepare and submit State reports and participate in State and County meetings.
  • Communicate with County leadership, the State, and all partners.
  • Monitor contracts with community-based organizations for compliance.
  • Track compliance with program implementation.
  • Write and implement program policies and procedures for county partners.
  • Oversee coordination of homeless outreach programs.
  • Develop and implement project communication strategies.
  • Develop course corrections if project targets are not met.
  • Incorporate feedback from key stakeholders, including people with lived experience of homelessness, County leadership, and service providers.
• Data Management and Presentations:
  • Develop and deliver public presentations on grant progress.
  • Ensure data dashboards are up to date.
  • Conduct data analysis, trend analysis, and prepare summary reports.
  • Monitor service delivery and outcome data against grant goals.
• Coordination of Local ERF Grant and HOT Contract Partners:
  • Create and implement a committee structure to support collaboration among key stakeholders.
  • Lead and facilitate committee meetings, prepare agendas, and follow up on action items.
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, contracted service providers, and County programs.
  • Provide technical assistance to providers on service standards, best practices, data quality, and program performance.
• Community Outreach and Communications:
  • Prepare and deliver presentations.
  • Collaborate with other County departments and local partners.
  • Establish communication channels for all ERF and HOT partners.
  • Represent the County in community and state meetings.
• Staff Supervision:
  • Supervise Human Services Analyst II staff.
  • Provide supervision, direction, training, coaching, and support to direct reports and related project staff.
• Perform additional duties related to a Management Analyst classification.

Qualifications

• Four or more years of experience in homeless or housing programs, behavioral health, public health, or a related field.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.
• Significant experience in contracting with community-based organizations for homeless services or similar safety net services.
• Commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders, with strong follow-through and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of social and economic issues relevant to low-income populations, especially homeless crisis response systems and safety net services.
• Understanding of the national landscape of homelessness assistance programs, including federal and state rules and regulations, and evidence-based practices related to homelessness prevention.
• Significant experience in grant administration, contract development and monitoring, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and data-driven performance improvement.
• Strong facilitation, analytical, public speaking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Cultural competency in working with diverse communities.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Principles and practices of county government management and public administration.
• Organizational and management practices for program analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation.
• Principles and practices of funding sources and grant funds disbursement.
• Employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and training.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Public relations techniques and effective communication strategies.
• Budget development, administration, and sound financial management policies.
• Contract administration and evaluation principles.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• Techniques for representing the County in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and other organizations.

• Assist in developing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Coordinate and oversee programmatic administrative, budgeting, and fiscal reporting activities.
• Plan and conduct management, administrative, and operational studies.
• Train staff in work procedures and conduct complex research projects.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, and procedures.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with County policies, laws, codes, and regulations.
• Operate modern office equipment and specialized software applications.
• Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, economics, planning, finance, or a related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible professional administrative and analytical experience in municipal government, including experience in budget, strategic planning, policy analysis, and organizational development.

Benefits

This is a limited-term, at-will assignment not to exceed three years. Limited-term employees receive medical and dental benefits, similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan.