Homeless Services Specialist

Job Description:

Homeless Services Specialist

Description

The Position

****Re-Announcement****

The Board of Supervisors have authorized the following future salary increases:

5% on July 1, 2025

Why join the Contra Costa Health?

Contra Costa Health is offering an excellent career opportunity for qualified individuals interested in the Homeless Services Specialist position. The Community Health and Safety Branch currently has two (2) vacancies located in Concord, CA.

You may occasionally be required to travel to other sites within Contra Costa County.

The Homeless Services Specialists will serve as liaison between the homeless, individuals at risk of homelessness, County Departments, and other local jurisdictions; provide consultation to homeless individuals and families to help them achieve independence and personal responsibility; investigate and recommend resolutions to homeless complaints; gather and analyze data to improve homeless services; assist in monitoring and accessing homeless care and services.

Public Health’s mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of the individual, family, and community in Contra Costa County.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A strong communicator. You will need to have effective verbal and written communication skills, and deal tactfully, diplomatically, and objectively with the homeless, their relatives, County programs and/or community organizations.
• Professional. You will be expected to exercise good judgement and discretion in handling confidential matters, and to provide and promote excellence in customer service for both internal and external customers.
• Analytical. You will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, and recommending resolutions for those experiencing homelessness or at risk.
• Respectful and understands diversity. You will be expected to acknowledge and respect cultural, educational, and linguistic differences of the County’s diverse population.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Serving as an advocate when necessary and conducting outreach to the homeless in Contra Costa County
• Investigating and recommending resolutions to homeless care issues and complaints
• Providing information and referrals regarding the County health systems and services to the homeless and to the public
• Providing consultation to homeless persons to assist them in achieving independence and personal responsibility
• Visiting homeless programs and encampments to ascertain satisfaction with the level of care and services, and evaluating the homeless person(s) environment
• Assisting consumers that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless to obtain short- and long-term housing which includes identifying appropriate housing resources, making referrals, and supporting the consumers through any housing obstacles and/or barriers they encounter
• Assisting consumers with navigating the coordinated entry system and collaborating with all providers within the Contra Costa Coordinated Entry System
• Developing housing plan with the clients that include activities of daily living skills such as budgeting and financial management

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have the opportunity to effect positive change amongst the county’s most vulnerable population.
• You will be working within a multi-disciplinary team including medical, behavioral health, and social service providers.
• You will be part of providing solution-based creativity and strategic problem solving to best meet client needs.
• The County provides excellent healthcare, paid time off, and retirement benefits.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will be working with a population with diverse needs.
• Working for Contra Costa County assumes coverage for a large geographic area.
• You will be managing a large client caseload.

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

To read the complete job description, please visit the website: https://www.cccounty.us/hr .

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operators License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in nursing, sociology, psychology, health administration, social work, health education, public administration, public health, human development or a closely related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of full-time experience providing direct health care information, services, or conducting outreach to the homeless community. Experience must have included identifying and addressing clients' needs and/or complaints.

Substitution for education: An additional two (2) years of full-time experience providing direct health care information, services, or outreach to the homeless community may be substituted for the required bachelor's degree.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current principles and practices of the homeless services and of homeless service providers.
• Knowledge of housing resources and homeless services offered to those experiencing homelessness or at risk within Contra Costa County and surrounding areas
• Knowledge of grievance procedures
• Knowledge of basic statistical techniques

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire: Candidates that clearly demonstrate that they possess the minimum qualification, will be invited to participate in a behavioral consistency writing exercise. Candidates will be asked to provide written responses to scenario-based questions designed to evaluate candidates core competencies as they relate to the job. Candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies assessed, as well as an overall passing score of 70% of higher. These competencies may include but are not limited to: Writing, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Self-Management, and Informing. (Weighted 100%)
The Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) during the week of June 25, 2025.

The Behavioral Consistency Questionnaire will be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment, as well as a computer or mobile device with a camera.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel, Recruitment Team at Exams@cchealth.org . For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1-855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 6/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$75,582.80 - $91,871.38 Annually