Coordinated Access Specialist, Cambridge Multi-Service Center for the Homeless

POSTING DATE: December 12, 2018
RESUMES AND LETTERS OF INTEREST REQUESTED BY: December 28, 2018 

POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED 

Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply.

Department: Human Service Programs

Job Title: Coordinated Access Specialist, Cambridge Multi-Service Center

Job Code: K125-701

Civil Service Position: Non Civil Service position

Union Affiliation: None

Hours Per Week: 37.5 hours per week

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Specialist will serve a key function within the collaborative, multi-agency Cambridge Coordinated Access Network (Cambridge CAN or C-CAN), both directly administering assessments to clients at intake, and serving as the primary organizer/liaison for dedicated Cambridge CAN staff as well as for diverse community stakeholders.

Direct service responsibilities

• Administer the Cambridge CAN suite of intake, screening, assessment, and referral tools to new clients presenting at the Cambridge Multi-Service Center for the Homeless; enter assessed clients' information into Cambridge's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Refer clients by phone to intake points, including dispatching outreach staff to administer intake/assessment as needed to clients on the street and at other locations in the field.
• Maintain strong knowledge of relevant homeless-specific and mainstream resources for referral in support of a wide range of client needs.

Program coordination responsibilities

• Maintain and manage the set of housing priority lists generated through the C-CAN housing assessment.
• Manage the Cambridge CAN housing priority pool, including following protocol to refer selected clients to housing vacancies, and responding to agency refusals when necessary.
• Interface with DHSP's Planning and Development division, the Continuum of Care (CoC)'s HMIS lead, on quality maintenance for Cambridge CAN's HMIS data.
• Provide internal technical assistance to Coordinated Access partner agencies on intake, assessment, and prioritization.
• Organize meetings between Cambridge CAN partner agency staff, including a weekly case conference and operational or program evaluation check-ins.
• Serve as liaison between Cambridge CAN and relevant provider and community stakeholders, including responding promptly to inquiries by phone and email.
• Help organize C-CAN partner agencies' collaboration on administrative efforts such as NOFA grant applications and contract compliance.
• Actively work to improve the level of system access for the full diversity of people homeless and at risk of homelessness in Cambridge, as well as to promote a low-barrier Housing First orientation that values equity.
• Work to promote a low-barrier Housing First orientation, and values of equity and access, within the Cambridge CAN system.
• Develop and carry out outreach strategies to promote Coordinated Access within the CoC and the wider community, as appropriate
• Work closely with DHSP's Planning and Development division to contribute to CoC-wide strategic/planning efforts.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  Minimum of five years in human/homeless services.  Strong organizational and administrative skills.  Excellent oral and written communications skills.  Crisis intervention skills, including the ability to assist clients in challenging situations and to support staff in their ability to provide assistance.  Experience coordinating a multi-partner initiative or project.  Experience in services to the homeless strongly preferred, as well as work in a diverse setting. Knowledge of Cambridge and surrounding communities helpful.  Ability to exercise mature judgment in complex situations. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must have sufficient mobility to travel between sites and to local meetings. Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer Answer telephones and maintain multiple files.  May require minimal lifting of up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: General office environment with air conditioning and fluorescent lighting. There will be frequent outside meetings with partner agencies, local organizations, and community groups. 

RATE: $46,683 - $60,826 plus excellent benefits