JOB SUMMARY

This position performs responsibleadministrative work in the coordination of homeless programs as assigned; andperforms related professional and administrative work as required. The incumbent works within a general outlineof work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under generalsupervision.

ESSENTIAL JOBFUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates and administers City of Columbia homeless programs;
• Assists in developing homeless program plans, goals and objectives;
• Connects citizens to services designed to increase skills and income in effort to gain and/or maintain stable housing;
• Maintains a database of volunteer information, tracking hours, and recognizing outstanding contributions;
• Collaborates with program director and other stakeholders to identify volunteer needs and opportunities;
• Designs and implements volunteer programs, projects, and events that align with the organization's mission and goals;
• Maintains clear and consistent communication with volunteers through social media, meetings, and other platforms;
• Develops and implements a volunteer recognition program to acknowledge and appreciate volunteers for their contributions;
• Participates in an ongoing public awareness program designed to promote department programs and services;
• Coordinates, attends and/or facilitates community meetings to discuss related homeless programs and projects to garner public support for such projects;
• Coordinates with community organizations to expand resources and support networks for shelter residents;
• Identifies and cultivates partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community groups to enhance volunteer recruitment and program effectiveness;
• Assists in developing and implementing fundraising strategies to support organizational initiatives;
• Serves as a spokesperson for volunteer-related matters and coordinate responses to media inquiries;
• Develops and maintains relationships with local media outlets to promote volunteer opportunities, success stories, and organizational events;
• Works with the marketing and communications team to create and distribute press releases and other promotional materials;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding street outreach intervention and other areas of responsibility;
• Oversees Lead House Manager and provides support when needed;
• Manages aftercare residents providing support to help maintain permanent housing;
• Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing spreadsheets, reviewing mail and literature, copying and filing documents, conducting and attending meetings, answering the telephone, etc.;
• Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TOPERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, social sciences, human services, economic and urban studies or closely related field;
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;
• Must possess a valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ANDABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the City and Department as they pertain to the essential job functions of the Homeless Services Program Specialist;
• Ability to perform high level entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office, utilizing Outlook, word processing, presentation, database and spreadsheet software programs;
• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;
• Knowledge of the geography of the City of Columbia and surrounding areas;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines;
• Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service with the utmost integrity to all internal and external customers while keeping the best interest of the public at the heart of all exchanges;
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing with excellent organizational skills and interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and members of the community who depend on the service; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is considered sedentary to active ineffort and may involve extended periods of walking or standing. Tasks mayinvolve exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routinekeyboard operations. The work requires the following physical abilities toperform the essential job functions: quick reflexes, balancing, lifting,pushing, puling, stooping, climbing, kneeling, crawling, crouching, reaching,feeling, or grasping, handling, hearing, mental acuity, reaching, repetitivemotion, speaking, and visual acuity.

WORKINGCONDITIONS:

Workenvironment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and isrelatively safe, secure and stable.