Program Coordinator

 
Title: Bringing Families Home Coordinator
 
Program: Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) 
 
Reports to: CES Families Program Director
 
The primary focus of the Bringing Families Home (BFH) program is to provide housing support to families receiving child welfare services who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, thereby increasing family reunification and keeping families together by significantly reducing the number of families in the child welfare system experiencing homelessness, prevent foster care home placements when homelessness prevents a parent or guardian from addressing issues that could lead to foster care home placement; and re-unite children in foster care with their families when homelessness is a barrier for the return of the children. The emphasis is on maximizing participant care in the short-term in order to move toward long-term economic and housing stability in keeping with the Housing 1st goals. The BFH Coordinator will ensure proper documentation, contractual occupancy and enrollment rates, and statistics are maintained and accurately reported in both the internal database as well as in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Carelinq. The BFH Coordinator will perform a variety of skilled administrative duties directly related to program management activities, including the generation of reports for both in-house and funding entities, as well as monitoring to ensure that the needed number of persons are being enrolled to keep programs at full capacity. The BFH Coordinator will work closely with the CES Families Director and CES Families Crisis Housing Coordinators to ensure seamless service connection for program participants.
 
Essential Job Functions:
  • Coordinate day-to-day operations of BFH Program staff and participate in the oversight of participant screenings and enrollments; with guidance, direction and oversight of Supervisor
  • Train, coach, and manage staff on program requirements, tools, and methods to meet those requirements set in place by our funders
  • Coach, mentor, and supervise staff and influence them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work
  • Effectively communicate program expectation to staff in a timely and clear fashion
  • Provide training and education regarding the Bringing Families Home program to ensure proper referrals and coordination for all families served
  • In conjunction with the Director, develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems necessary to maintain high-quality programs and services
  • Proactively manage the BFH Program, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans
  • Develop best practices and tools for management of the BFH Program
  • Work with CES Families Crisis Housing Coordinators to refer families who are in immediate need of temporary shelter which are facing a housing crisis
  • Work with other Crisis and Bridge housing resources in SPA1 to ensure households are connected to the most appropriate resources
  • Works closely with the Director to prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for program(s) to ensure contractual outcomes are being met
  • Work with the Compliance Department to ensure that documentation requirements for participant’s master file is complete and to the standards set by our funders.
  • Regularly liaise with Compliance department to comply with requests for program data, coordinate completion of all reports, and participate in preparation for program/contract audits as needed
  • Work/Collaborate with Compliance in regard to Master File & Database expectations, audits (before and after), and changes within agency and LACDA expectations, section sheets, audit sheets, and audit findings/corrections. 
  • Conduct intake and enrollment activities with eligible participants, including assisting participants with gathering other program eligibility documentation, completing project intake forms, authorizations and enrolling into the program  
  • Interview and evaluate participants to identify social, emotional, and economic factors, which may interfere with attaining stability and optimum health
  • Meet face to face with participants between one and three times a month prior to obtaining housing and once participant has successfully moved into stable housing
  • Collaborate with each participant to develop creative Housing Service Plans aimed at improving overall well-being and housing stability; review and update monthly and upon completion of goals  Complete regular reassessments to ensure that the participant continues to require assistance
  • Landlord engagement and program education
  • Creates and maintains effective systems of tracking the intake, assessment, enrollment, of homeless families who are seeking services into a multitude of programs
  • Oversees the preparation of program participant master files
  • Monitor and maintain the BFH Program Tracking Logs
  • Communicate progress towards achieving program goals and outcomes to Supervisor
  • Ensure all services provided to families are properly recorded: every participant intake along with any subsequent service; document in both paper (in participant Masterfile) and soft file format (HMIS or Carelinq).
  • Coordinates engagement and intake activities as assigned by supervisor
  • Evaluate the BFH Program’s effectiveness; make proposals to senior management as deemed necessary to enhance program outcomes
  • Facilitate team building activities and brainstorming sessions
  • Coordinate with CES Director and Coordinators to provide training and education to BFH staff regarding programs available within the CES such as Time Limited Subsidies (TLS), Crisis Housing (site based), Crisis Housing motels and Prevention to understand what other resources are available to families and leverage in case of future need
  • Recruit, hire and evaluate staff and volunteers within the guidelines of Valley Oasis Personnel Policies in conjunction with the Families Program Director to provide individual and team supervision, support, and performance evaluations for assigned staff
  • Provides supervision and guidance to the BFH staff, when working with persons in crisis or experiencing symptoms of mental and/or physical illness
  • Responsible for addressing staff performance issues with program, and preparing annual staff evaluations
  • Problem solve with Supervisor and staff on any issues or challenges that might inhibit them from achieving program goals
  • Conflict Resolution between participants & Case Managers. If unable to resolve, seek assistance from Program Director
  • Review staff timesheets and submit for payroll
  • Collaborate with community partners for services and housing opportunities that may be beneficial to families
  • Attend funder meetings/trainings and community events as required by the supervisor to maintain a network of resources and services.
  • Participate in case conferencing meetings to present on high barrier families with the goal to connect them to any available permanent supportive housing resources they may be potentially eligible for
  • Participate, attend Care Coordination meetings to network with community partners, and acquire resources that may be useful for families receiving services with the BFH program.
  • Attend regular meetings facilitated by the Department of Children and Family Services
  • Complete monthly progress reports as mandated by the Los Angeles County Development Authority
  • Complete monthly State Report for the Department of Children and Family Services
  • Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times
  • Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues
  • Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines
  • Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency
  • Respond promptly in all aspects of communication
  • Adhere to agency policies and procedures including confidentiality, child/elder abuse reporting, and code of ethics
  • Additional tasks, projects and or responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor that are not outlined but which are an important part of the agency’s goals and/or program outcomes
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Clear understanding of the concepts of Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and the Coordinated Entry System
  • Strong knowledge of case management ethics, HIPAA, Programmatic standards of operation and participant focused ideology
  • Knowledge and understanding of policy, systems, and local programs that impact homeless persons and related public funding sources, regulations, requirements, and procedures
  • Knowledge of best practice models for assisting homeless people with varying degrees of needs/conditions and have a strong understanding of contractual requirements/compliance and applicable performance measures
  • Knowledge of issues facing homeless individuals (e.g. chronic health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic abuse and resources for undocumented individuals)
  • Knowledge of community social service agencies and resources
  • Knowledge in hiring and training staff, assigning staff projects and management of multiple projects
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively to individuals who may be ill, using substances, lack of personal care, in crisis situations and/or potentially hostile situations
  • Ability to work with a diverse population and provide culturally competent advocacy
  • Ability to deescalate aggressive/agitated individuals
  • Ability to handle common problems without supervisor intervention while knowing when supervisor participation is warranted
  • Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances
  • Must be able to exercise initiative, independent good judgment, flexibility, discretion, and solid decision making
  • Actively promote positive, nurturing interactions between participants
  • Able to take appropriate steps to deal with emergency situations with the goal of maintaining the safety of all participants
  • Must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, adjust to changing; circumstances, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders
  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize strong judgement and interpersonal skills to manage sensitive client interactions including with those who may be in distress with acute illness, substance use issues, co-morbidity of behavioral and physical health issues in addition to homelessness
  • Project a professional demeanor and a high level of professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters
  • Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral; must communicate professionally and positively with participants, co-workers, management, community partners, employers, landlords, and other service providers
  • Promote cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and objective; collaborate with team members, sharing ideas and differences openly; be receptive to new ideas and adapt to change as necessary
  • Strict confidentiality must be observed as it relates to client information, agency business, program decisions and all other personal information
  • Considers impact of personal and professional choices. Consistently make decisions in keeping with organizational values and Supervisor’s direction
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow through from beginning to end on tasks
  • Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner)
  • Proficient in use of laptop/desktop computer, Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google drive
  • Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgment
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule; including nights, days, weekends and holidays
  • Ability to respond to emergencies some evenings and weekends as necessary
  • Use of a personal vehicle may be required to travel in and around Antelope Valley and/or Los Angeles County and periodically transport participants
  • Maintain professional boundaries and work collaboratively with participants, volunteers and staff
  • Accountability – be on time for scheduled shifts
  • Be able to read and write English
  • Bilingual Preferred but not required
Qualifications & Experience:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social/Human Services or related field, strongly preferred
  • Minimum one year experience in supervision or leadership role for interim housing, rapid re-housing or permanent housing programs
  • Minimum one year in a supervision/leadership role with programming/administrative experience in a nonprofit setting at an agency that services victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or other vulnerable populations, and/or homeless, mentally ill, substance-using, or dually-diagnosed people is required
  • One year experience in case management for homeless individuals
  • Strong knowledge of the social services field and/or successful management and implementation of homeless programs in the non-profit, government or private sector
  • Experience in a residential facility setting strongly preferred
  • Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
  • Education may be substituted by years of experience
Agency Requirements:
  • Must have a valid California Driver’s License
  • Reliable transportation
  • Auto Insurance
  • Clean driving record
  • Employment pending drug screen, background check and driving record
Physical Demands & Work Conditions
An employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job must meet physical demands described:
  • May be in contact with individuals in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not be attentive to personal hygiene and safety for themselves
  • May experience unpleasant sensory demands associated with an individual’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal care
  • May experience crisis situations and potentially hostile situations, must be ready to respond quickly and effectively.
An employee is required to:
Walk and climb stairs; Handle, grasp and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; extend both arms above the head and/or reach below the waist; Communicate ideas and information verbally and written word; Be able to move oneself quickly and easily from place to place; Repeat various motions with hands, wrists, fingers; Climb on stools, steps and/or ladders; Be subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to: Rain, heat, wind.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, employee must inform Human Resources by the first week of employment. If an accommodation is not required at the time of employment, but is later required, you must inform Human Resources at the time it is needed.

Benefits
  • Health
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Paid Sick
  • Dental
  • AFLAC
  • Paid Vacation
  • Vision
  • Cafeteria 125 Plan
  • Personal Days
  • Acupuncture/Chiropractic
  • Retirement Plan
 
  • Life Insurance
  • 14 Observed Holidays
 
 
Schedule:
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm (may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, holidays and/or on call status)

Salary Range:
$66,560 annual (Exempt)

An Equal Opportunity Employer: Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability.
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