Program Specialist - Homelessness

About MHSA

The Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA) is a statewide organization that is driving innovation in the effort to end homelessness among adult individuals through advocacy and development of new outcome-based programs. For 25+ years, MHSA has been transforming the traditional response of emergency shelter into a system of permanent housing, improved access to services and health care, and other long-term solutions to homelessness. These strategies have helped to dramatically reduce chronic homelessness in Massachusetts and gained MHSA national recognition for several policy initiatives. MHSA has a network of nearly 100 member agencies; it also works closely with state and city government. It uses its unique position as an intermediary between public agencies and homeless service providers to create innovative responses to homelessness for adults in Massachusetts.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer offering competitive pay, good benefits, and work in a mission-focused organization. Learn more about MHSA at www.mhsa.net

About the position

The Program Specialist will be part of the Program Department of five staff that manages multiple programs to fund housing and service interventions by partner agencies. The Program Specialist will join this team of managers and directors, helping to ensure projects are effectively implemented, contracts are monitored, data are collected and analyzed to report outcomes, and best practices are shared among MHSA’s network of members in order to improve practice that addresses and ends homelessness.

Responsibilities

Principal duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Help to manage contracts between MHSA and partner agencies that fund housing, shelter, services, and similar activities
• Meet with partner agencies to review progress, address contract challenges, and discuss and navigate the work of connecting homeless individuals to housing and related resources
• Ensure appropriate data collection by partner agencies for contract reporting and evaluation of outcomes; assist with data reporting and analysis as needed
• Participate in state and city planning committees as needed to help plan programs and to advocate for resources and better approaches to homelessness
• Help organize training for partner agencies
• Carry out other Program Department projects that help to advance MHSA’s work as an intermediary and catalyst for new systems interventions 

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years relevant experience, ideally including past work with homeless programs and populations
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or other relevant experience
• Passion for the mission of ending homelessness and interest in the population that is the priority of MHSA’s work: adults experiencing chronic homelessness often coupled with physical, mental, and/or addiction disabilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects, attend to details, follow through, and meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office; advanced Excel skills preferred
• Facility with data collection and data reporting; additional skills in data analysis preferred
• Ability to problem solve and think critically
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits for full time employees include: health insurance (80% employer-paid), pre-tax commuter benefits, generous paid vacation and holidays, a 401K retirement plan with generous matching contribution, and more.

MHSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.