Homeless Services Coordinator

City of Lakewood, CA

$85K — $103K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in public administration, social/behavioral science, or related field.
  • 2 years of experience coordinating human services or homelessness programs.
  • 1 year of lead or supervisory experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with local government and community agencies.
  • Proficient in data analysis, policy development, and grant management.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the City’s main contact for homelessness resources.
  • Plan and evaluate outreach programs and services for the homeless.
  • Coordinate responses to homelessness with various city and county agencies.
  • Provide direct outreach and coordinate resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Supervise the work of city staff and contracted service liaisons managing cleanup of homeless encampments.

Benefits

  • Participates in the CalPERS retirement system with a generous formula.
  • Offers 13 paid holidays, sick leave, and 2 weeks of vacation (increases with tenure).
  • Cafeteria benefits for health including medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Longevity pay begins after 9 years of service, plus career medical retiree benefits.
Full Job Description
Salary : $85,512.00 - $103,932.00 Annually
Location : Lakewood, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2027-05
Department: Public Safety
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 2:00 PM Pacific

Description
Under general supervision of the Director of Public Safety, or designee, plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates the City's homelessness outreach programs, services and initiatives; performs field outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness; coordinates contracted homeless services; collaborates with local government agencies, law enforcement and community organizations; supervises assigned staff and contract personnel; assists in the development and administration of homeless services programs, contracts and grants; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Serves as the City's point person for homelessness resources and questions
  • Plans, oversees, coordinates, reviews and evaluates homeless outreach and engagement programs and services
  • Coordinates the City's response to homelessness-related issues with City departments, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, contracted service providers, regional agencies, and other community partners to ensure timely and effective service delivery
  • Provides direct field outreach, engagement and resource coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness, including referrals to shelter, housing, behavioral and physical health services, substance abuse treatment, employment training, and other supportive services
  • Works with Sheriff's Department personnel to provide outreach and engagement to the homeless population and enforcement of local and state law, as necessary
  • Responds to resident inquiries and complaints regarding homelessness-related issues
  • Coordinates, supervises, schedules and evaluates the work of assigned City staff and contracted homeless service liaisons
  • Supervises, schedules, directs, evaluates and plans work assignments for subordinate staff engaged in the removal and cleanup of homeless-related encampments, trash, and other related items
  • Administers the City's homeless service liaison contracts, shelter bed program contract, and other homeless outreach service contracts
  • Collects, analyzes and reports data related to homelessness programs, service utilization, performance measures and program outcomes
  • Prepares reports, correspondence, staff reports, presentations, grant reports and other documentation regarding homeless services programs and activities
  • Assists in developing departmental policies, procedures and best practices relating to homelessness programs
  • Assists in developing and monitoring homeless services and program budgets
  • Assists in identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant applications supporting homelessness programs and assists in administering grant awards, including programmatic and financial reporting
  • Prepares and presents oral presentations before neighborhood groups, community organizations, civic groups, elected officials and other interested parties to disseminate information, answer questions and promote the City's homelessness outreach and engagement programs
  • Conducts and participates in public outreach and education programs
  • Develops educational materials, website content, social media communications and other public information related to homelessness programs and services
  • Keeps the Director of Public Safety, or designee, informed of current trends, issues and developments related to homeless outreach and engagement programs and services
  • Assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends and holidays

Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, is qualifying. A typical example would be graduation with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, social/behavioral science, social work, sociology, human services, criminal justice, business administration or related field and two years of experience administering or coordinating homelessness programs and services, human services programs, case management, grant administration, or closely related programs in a governmental or nonprofit organization with an emphasis on homeless services, data analysis and evaluation and policy development. One year of lead or supervisory experience is desirable. Experience working with diverse agencies and community groups in a local government or non-profit agency is desirable.
Licenses: Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record.
Knowledge of: Municipal government organization and functions, including the implementation of programs and services for homelessness; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations that govern homelessness; local homeless service coordination efforts including Los Angeles County Continuum Care, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative and other local activities to address homelessness; best practices in homeless service delivery systems; principles of effective oral communication; public relations principles and practices; basic knowledge of program budgeting and expenditure control; principles and techniques of effective report writing; safety principles and practices; principles and practices of supervision and training; marketing and promotion of activities; general office procedures; and Windows-based word processing, spreadsheet and database software (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel,).
Skills & Abilities to: Coordinate work of contract partners and support personnel plan, organize, implement and evaluate homeless outreach and engagement programs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of homeless program goals; conduct research and develop and assess survey and analyze data; assist in managing program budgets; write fluently and effectively; communicate logically and cogently; train, meet and communicate effectively with community members and residents of diverse backgrounds; supervise and train subordinate staff; establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with peers, officials and members of the general public contacted in the course of work; provide direct service to homeless individuals and/or families; communicate effectively with persons displaying psychological and substance-induced behaviors such as depression, anger and confusion; effectively manage multiple priorities; use personal computers, learn and use the City's software programs necessary to perform the job.
Physical and Mental Demands: Ability to read, write, type, operate office tools and equipment such as a computer, calculator, pencils and pens; ability to work with persons displaying psychological and substance-induced behaviors such as depression, anger and confusion; ability to drive city vehicles; be at work daily, communicate orally in writing and over the phone; ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; stand ,walk and sit for extended periods of time; and the ability to see and hear within normal ranges.
Environmental Conditions:Exposure to vehicular traffic, inclement weather and the elements of working out in the field. May be exposed to noise, dust, fumes, solvents or chemicals.

Supplemental Information
The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes:
  • Retirement Formula- The City participates in the CalPERS retirement system 2% at 55 for "classic" CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for "new" CalPERS members 2. The City does not participate in Social Security
  • Generous Leave Programs- 13 paid holidays; sick leave; and two weeks annual vacation (three weeks after three years, four weeks after 15 years)
  • Health Insurance - Cafeteria benefit plan includes medical and dental options (City participates in the CalPERS medical insurance plans). Employee cafeteria allowance for single employee only coverage is $1,359.02 per month; for employee +1 eligible dependent coverage is $1,640.00; and for employee + 2 or more eligible dependents coverage is $1,900.00. City paid life insurance, long-term disability and vision insurance for the employee.
  • Other Benefits: Longevity pay beginning at the completion of 9 years of qualified service; career medical retiree benefit programs

1. Benefits package information is based on current benefit information and subject to change, based on labor agreements; federal, state and/or local laws or resolutions.

2.For qualified public employees who are "classic" CalPERS members and City employees with membership into CalPERS prior to 1/1/2013 enrollment will be into the 2% at 55 formula. Pension benefits for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013 and are "new" CalPERS members are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act provisions and will be enrolled into the 2% at 62 formula.
Selection Procedure: All properly submitted applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates appearing to have the best qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the examination and selection process which may require anycombination of the following: a written examination, a performance examination and one or more oral interviews. Not all applicants may be tested or interviewed.
Important Information
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications should be completed fully and clearly demonstrate how the minimum qualifications are met. All information provided is subject to verification. False or misleading statements may result in disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or termination of employment. Resumes may be included as a supplement but will not be accepted in place of the City's application form. All application materials become the property of the City of Lakewood and will not be returned.

COMPENSATION: City employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis, therefore, published monthly salary is for illustration purposes only, rounded to whole dollars. Actual salary is based on hourly rate rounded to four decimal places.

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