Agency Description

The mission of the Office of Homeless Services is to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. OHS works collaboratively with a broad-based network of public and private providers focused on utilizing practices that are informed by data, honor the different perspectives of all stakeholders, and are trauma-informed. OHS works to maximize resources while monitoring emerging trends, tracking progress, and shifting priorities as needed.

OHS is the Collaborative Applicant for the Philadelphia Continuum of Care, and is located within the Health and Human Services Cabinet, which includes the Departments of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), Human Services (DHS), Mayor's Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, and Public Health (DPH).

Job Description

Position Summary

The Housing Services Division is where contracted programs are implemented and supported. The Division's aims are to:

• Implement a Housing first, housing focused, trauma informed and person centered system

• Foster low barrier, welcoming programs that build on strengths and resiliency in people coming for help

• Focus on implementing high quality housing assistance and services in compliance with requirements

• Build strong, capable, empowered systems, providers, and participants

This position directs through subordinates a major comprehensive social service program of Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services (OHS), the Long-Term Housing Programs, responsible for programs consisting of more than 3,700 long-term housing beds for individuals and families, as well as the Housing Inspection Unit. The Director will plan, organize and direct program implementation and program services; establish goals and objectives within framework of agency's overall plans and policy; confer with social service staff on the implementation of respective program plans, priorities and policies; participate in the development and preparation of annual budget plans; manage work that utilizes supervisors, program analysts, consultants and administrative staff.

The Director of Long Term Housing supports the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) in its commitment to performance management, customer service improvement, development of best practices, and the implementation of its mission to make the experience of homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

The Director reports to the Deputy Director of Housing Services. The Inspection Supervisor and the Social Service Program Analyst Supervisor report to this position.

Essential Functions

• Evaluate programmatic needs and ensure that housing contracts and providers maximize the quality of participant service to achieve housing stability, while ensuring compliance with appropriate federal, state and local standards.

• Analyze administrative, operational and managerial problems affecting the provision of effective permanent housing programs, using data to guide programmatic and budget decisions.

• Initiate policy and operational changes within unit and contracted programs, as necessary.

• Effectively communicate changes in philosophy, process, program, and/or contract requirements to staff and contracted providers.

• Effectively and efficiently manage fiscal, staff and program resources through budgets and reports and develop justifications for personnel or supply requirements within departmental guidelines; establish staff performance goals and objectives.

• Ensure that all staff effectively utilize current and evolving unit data systems and automated reporting systems; participate in data planning efforts and direct data system improvement.

• Participate in negotiation of contracts and agreements with public and private agencies, review contract proposals to assure their conformance to program needs and objectives.

• Meet with union officials to discuss operational and disciplinary issues.

• Provide guidance and support to contracted housing providers.

• Direct or participate in divisional, unit, interdepartmental and outside public and private services agency committees, conferences and meetings; evaluate service providers and program achievement; attend a variety of meetings for the formulation and coordination of overall strategic objectives; confer with appropriate federal and state and local officials.

• Support, encourage, and build capacity of staff.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work closely with internal staff, service providers, participants, and the general public.

• Excellent administrative skills and familiarity with MS Office Suite: Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Strong project management skills: ability to work independently, comfortable with asking questions or seeking guidance to complete assignment. Ability to see small details and the big picture and the ability to multi-task.

• Knowledge of federal regulations, especially housing-related regulations and homeless programs.

• Ability to adapt to, manage, and lead change. Have a solid understanding of the change process and how individuals go through the change process.

• Ability to think critically and strategically, while making timely and appropriate decisions.

• Familiarity with and commitment to defining, measuring, and taking action based on performance; supportive of the development and use of best practices.

• Creative thinker, with a balanced perspective, and ability to advocate for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

• Commitment to ongoing learning about trauma informed approaches and other best practices.

• Ability to develop professional relationships that contribute to cooperative problem-solving; a team player.

• Ability to travel locally and nationally, as needed.

• Ability to work past the regular work schedule.

Qualifications

Education: Minimum Bachelor's degree in relevant field; Master's Degree preferred. Relevant fields include Social Work, Public Administration, and any other deemed relevant.

Experience:

• Minimum five years experience in working in housing, social services, and/or programs for individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness.

• At least 3 years experience in supervision, coaching, evaluation, and team building

• Experience with administering federal grants, understanding program regulations, and implementing programs.

• Demonstrated record as a successful team player, including the ability to develop and maintain a goal-oriented, positive attitude

Additional Information

TO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and references.

Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA's Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.