Coordinated Entry System Specialist

Helping People. Changing Lives. CAPSLO Mission, Vision and Core ValuesPosition 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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

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

• 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

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

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

• 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 staf.