The City of Elgin is accepting applications for the position of Homelessness Response Coordinator in the City Manager’s Office. The city seeks a candidate who will make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents in Elgin by leading efforts to address homelessness and support the city's vision for a more inclusive and equitable community.

This role involves engaging with Elgin's diverse community partners, such as nonprofits and faith-based organizations, to achieve shared objectives through collaborative efforts. The Homelessness Response Coordinator is required to maintain and strengthen existing relationships with these partners. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with city departments and community partners to develop and implement strategies addressing homelessness while ensuring effective communication and coordination across all levels. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents in Elgin.

Responsibilities of the Homelessness Response Coordinator may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Collaborate with community partners to develop and implement a plan to prevent and end homelessness, aligned with the city’s strategic plan. 
• Lead efforts focused on advancing policy changes to improve the effectiveness of homelessness solutions and contribute to achieving functional zero as a goal.
• Coordinate with city departments and community partners to assess available programs and initiatives addressing homelessness and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Collaborate with community partners to strengthen homelessness prevention and response efforts, providing support and facilitation to position them for success. 
• Conduct research, analyze data, and prepare reports on homelessness trends, program effectiveness, and policy recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal departments and community partners to gather information and insights into community trends related to homelessness.
• Present findings and recommendations to the City Council, community groups, and other relevant partners.
• Develop and implement performance indicators to measure the impact of homelessness prevention strategies and provide regular updates on progress.
• Assist in creating impactful communication strategies, such as public outreach and distributing materials, focusing on homelessness prevention and response in collaboration with community partners.
• Stay current with best practices, policies, and regulations related to homelessness prevention and response through ongoing professional development and research.
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Experience in leading collaborative efforts with diverse partners and managing complex projects. 
• Strong research and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions. 
• Capacity to adjust to evolving situations and exhibit resilience in dynamic settings.
• Creative thinking and innovative approaches to address complex social issues, with a focus on continuous improvement and learning.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution, to navigate complex situations and foster collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines effectively. 
• Understanding of local government processes, policies, and practices related to homelessness prevention and response is desirable. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in addressing homelessness and related issues.
• Flexibility to attend off-site meetings and work outside regular hours as necessary.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social work, planning, public administration, or a related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar or related field, preferably in a government or public sector setting, are required.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with homelessness response systems and social service programs.
• Knowledge of issues related to racial, social, and economic equity and their impact on housing stability.
• Experience in policy analysis, budgeting, and procurement processes in the public sector.
• Strong project management skills and experience working in team settings.
• Familiarity with community and government relations and public engagement strategies.