Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Coordinated Entry System (CES) Manager, the CES Specialist facilitates the effective and efficient matching of CES resources through CES to all populations in San Luis Obispo County’s Continuum of Care (CoC) and ensures the efficiency of the Coordinated Entry System. The CES Specialist plays an essential role in liaising with both homeless services providers and housing providers, ensuring communication is accurate, efficient, and practical to achieve CES activities promptly.
Required Education and Experience:

• AA in Social Services, Public Policy, Analytics, or Psychology or minimum two years experience providing direct services, preferably with homeless or other vulnerable populations.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• BA in Social Services, Public Policy, Analytics, or Psychology or a minimum four years of experience providing direct services, preferably with homeless or other vulnerable populations.
• Minimum one year experience in systems and program design
• Experience with database management & HMIS.

License & Certifications:

• Must have dependable, insured transportation, a valid California Driver's License (mileage to be reimbursed), and an acceptable driving record. A DMV printout and proof of insurance will be required.
• Obtain CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.

Essential Functions:

• Enable the comprehensive alignment of housing resources and services across the CoC, employing strategies to ensure fair and equitable distribution to all demographic groups.
• Assist in program design and adaptation of services models; adapt fidelity models for services to meet the unique needs of homeless individuals and families in San Luis Obispo County.
• Provide support, training, and technical assistance to staff and agencies participating in the Coordinated Entry System.
• Act as day-to-day liaison to Access Point locations within the CoC, inclusive of completing assessments, hosting meetings, and direct support for clients and staff
• Monitor new housing unit vacancies within the CoC’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database or other relevant databases, supporting housing providers in processing referrals.
• Ensure timely and accurate matching/referrals in the HMIS database or other relevant databases of individuals or families with suitable housing options.
• Engage with case managers and housing providers to gather relevant information on housing preferences, needs, and entrance criteria.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work collaboratively with CES and Continuum of Care (CoC) staff to match resources and address additional client needs.
• Support for all elements of the Coordinated Entry System, as directed by the CES Manager.
• Ensures Access Point staff comply with CES Policies and operational procedures.
• Identify and address challenges and obstacles in the housing matching process promptly and efficiently.
• Implement solutions to ensure successful housing placements and client satisfaction.
• Stay informed about housing regulations and policies.
• Ensure that housing placements align with applicable laws and guidelines.
• Seek opportunities to enhance and streamline the housing matching process.
• Stay updated on industry best practices to improve service delivery.
• Must be dedicated to the goals and philosophy of the Homeless Services programs and CAPSLO.
• Must use reasonable precautions in performing one’s duties adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices, and act in such a manner as to assure at all times maximum safety to oneself, fellow employees, clients, and children.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the housing resources, subsidies, and requirements
• Knowledge of community resources within San Luis Obispo County.
• Experience with HMIS and the VI-SPDAT/other prioritization tools preferred
• Knowledge of homeless populations, systems, and programs
• Knowledge of federal policy and program guidelines for CES

Skills:

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize deliverable
• Strong organizational skills

Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate and problem-solve.
• Ability to work independently or in a group and manage multiple projects and priorities within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to present to groups of all sizes.
• Ability to effectively facilitate productive discussion among diverse stakeholder groups
• Ability to establish effective relationships and work cooperatively with individuals, groups, and organizations diverse in mission, composition, function, capacity, and geographic location
• Ability to quickly grasp concepts and apply them to solve complex social problems
• Ability to think critically and pay attention to detail
• Ability to adapt rapidly in response to changing information or needs

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

• Requires working indoors in a temperature-controlled environment with some exposure to copier and printer chemicals/fumes.
• The work environment may include some exposure to aerosol-transmissible diseases (ATD). As part of an employee health and safety program, personal protective equipment is provided as needed.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical:

• Position requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, twisting, and bending.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds.
• Simple grasping and hand manipulation are required, as well as reaching above and below shoulder level.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full time – 40 hours/week – Monday – Friday, Occasional weekends and evenings.

Travel:

• Some travel may be required to attend meetings, conferences, and trainings.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire.
• Must comply with the CAPSLO COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, either being fully vaccinated or sign a COVID-19 vaccination declination form.
• Based on the program, a current TB skin test/Chest X-ray may be required.
• Employment is contingent upon meeting all applicable job requirements and background requirements. A criminal history clearance is required before employment.
• Upon hire, agency staff will check Megan’s Law (or the current sexual predator website) to ensure each staff member is cleared for employment. Agency staff will also check the website annually to ensure all program staff are cleared to work.

Other Duties:
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Reasonable Accommodations:
I have read and understand the Essential Functions of this position, including the Responsibilities and Duties. I also acknowledge that the Responsibilities and Duties for this position may change with or without prior notice.
I further understand that I can request reasonable accommodation, should it be necessary for me to carry out the essential functions of this position. I can perform these with or without reasonable accommodation.
Benefits & Perks:
Stay Healthy!

• Keep yourself healthy with our comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance plans (Did we mention we pay your monthly premium at 100% if you are full time, YES…100 %!)
• Keep your family healthy with the same comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision available for you to purchase!
• Address everyday concerns with access to our Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
• Get involved with company-sponsored monthly wellness challenges!

Be Financially Fit!

• Save for your future by enrolling into our retirement plan with generous company matches after 6 month.
• Set aside pre-tax dollars to cover medical or child care expenses through our Flexible Spending Plans.
• Utilize Discounts from our partners (reduced rates for pet insurance, cell phone services, car rentals and more).

Take time for you!

• Relax, recharge, and reconnect with friends and family or plan your get away for a few days while using your vacation time awarded to you every pay period!
• Relax when you are sick, rest assured you are covered by your awesome team and accrued paid sick time!
• Enjoy the holidays! You get 14 of them…PAID!

Have fun at work!

• Celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with your team!
• Join one of our committees and meet employees across the agency.
• Rock your CAPSLO provided hats, t-shirts, sweaters and more!
• Be you!