We believe our community can move beyond poverty and oppression to a place where all people have access to quality housing, nutritious food, equal justice and opportunities to thrive. We are committed to working with compassion, integrity, accountability, creativity and an anti-oppression approach to end homelessness, hunger, inequality and other barriers to social justice. We value collaboration and leadership from the communities we serve. As our workforce evolves to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, our agency and workplace will be enriched and strengthened and as such we will:
Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact.
Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency, and to encourage staff to fully engage in those activities.
JOB SUMMARY: The Stabilization Services Director is a part of Solid Ground’s Strategic Leadership Team and is responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the Stabilization Services Department. The Stabilization Services Department includes eight service areas focused on building economic and housing stability. These service areas include rapid re-housing, shelter diversion, homeless prevention, tenant education, foreclosure prevention, financial empowerment, community voicemail, and free legal aid to obtain public benefits. The Stabilization Services Director is the agency point person to funders, collaborators, and coalitions and is responsible for implementing strategic growth and initiative planning for all department activities as well as contributing to agency-wide strategic planning efforts.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND TASKS:
35% Provide leadership, oversight and direction to facilitate operations and delivery of services within the Stabilization Services Department. Assure consistency between programs and identify opportunities for improved systems and efficiencies. Develop appropriate policies and procedures, data tracking and reporting systems to ensure quality service delivery and compliance with all contracts. Work to ensure program quality and sustainability by developing, implementing and evaluating program goals and outcome-based objectives in response to community and program needs. Strengthen existing programs using data, client feedback and best practices. Establish service models, outcomes, goals and measurements.
20% Provide direct supervision and support to the Stabilization Services management team. Utilize existing systems as well as develop new methods for professional development and performance measurement for all department staff.
20% Promote agency and departmental goals and increase program visibility through community engagement, advocacy and public relations efforts. Provide leadership in identifying regional trends and in aligning program activities to respond to community needs and opportunities. Actively engage with community agencies, public, and private partners, and coordinate services with outside providers as necessary. Represent Solid Ground and all programs in relevant community forums, coalitions and planning processes to lead agency response to community needs. Serve as liaison and act in an advisory capacity to funders and coalitions at the city, county and state regional levels. Develop goals and activities to implement strategic planning and develop new program initiatives. Work across the agency to promote collaboration and shared planning of programs and services and implementation of new strategies.
15% Monitor program budgets to ensure expenses are within budgetary guidelines. Prepare and/or coordinate reports and funding applications required by local, state and federal funding sources and monitor the data collected in order to ensure contract compliance. Provide guidance and direction to program staff who are responsible for the development and monitoring of individual program budgets. Ensure the availability of adequate funding and employee resources to meet changing needs. Work with Solid Ground Resource Development staff in the procurement of private and public grant proposals, and assist with fundraising activities as needed.
10% Attend Strategic Leadership Team meetings and participate in agency decision making at the senior leadership level. Communicate agency policies, procedures and decisions to Department staff. Advocate for, and communicate issues, problems and concerns of Department staff to agency management, and where appropriate –Solid Ground Board of Directors. Participate in agency cross-functional leadership teams, anti-racism initiative efforts, and community coalitions and committees as appropriate.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
Requires one of the following:
(a) Five years of experience in a social service or related setting with at least three years of experience supervising staff and leading programs in the provision of housing and homeless services OR
(b) Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field and three years of experience in a social service setting, including at least two years of experience supervising staff in the provision of emergency services OR
(c) Any combination of education, experience and measurable performance which demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.
Also requires:
Two years of demonstrated experience in financial management, contracting and budgeting; knowledge of and compliance of various fund sources including federal sources.
Strong knowledge of housing, homelessness, and homeless prevention services, including knowledge of national best practices; knowledge of regulations and standards surrounding financial assistance programs and/or case management programming; knowledge of issues and barriers affecting the housing stability of low-income communities and communities of color.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated planning, program development and problem-solving skills.
Excellent supervision skills; ability to promote teamwork among staff and promote positive behaviors that support the mission of the programs.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Organizational abilities, initiative and attention to detail.
Strong knowledge of computer software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and Outlook; Safe Harbors).
Ability to work individually in a self-directed manner and as part of a team.
Demonstrated experience developing collaborative relationships with other social service providers.
Knowledge of organizations providing social services to low-income populations in King County.
Willingness and ability to work with people from a variety of racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, with various lifestyles, sexual orientations, and of all ages.
Access to reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance that meets Washington State’s minimum guidelines and the ability and willingness to travel throughout King County.
Anti-Racism Initiative (ARI) Expectations:
Foster discussion and learning among staff to better understand and dismantle institutional racism.
Abide by and support agency-wide efforts to incorporate anti-racism principles and cultural competency and standards into all hiring processes and performance evaluations. Provide leadership to departmental and agency anti-racism initiatives, and develop and grow an anti-racist culture within each department.
Support departmental Action Teams, and set up structures and systems for responding to and implementing Action Team recommendations.
Encourage staff participation in Anti-Racism Initiative committees and events.
Enhance personal skill development as well as guiding managers and supervisors in their own skill development.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS: This position works in an office setting, performing general office duties. Position requires employee to lift/carry up to 20 pounds rarely, 5-10 pounds often and push/pull 10 pounds seldom, 1-5 pounds frequently. Employee spends 40% of this time on the computer and 60% of the time interacting with staff / clients/peers (80% in the office and 20% of their time in the field). Work outside the office is attending meetings/driving. Position has the ability to sit/stand as needed. Stairs not required.
How to apply
TO APPLY: Applicants must complete the Solid Ground application form specific to this position. To find an application online, go to www.solid-ground.org/AboutUs/Jobs, then click on the job title for this position and download the attached application. You may submit your completed application to jobs@solid-ground.org. You may also leave a message on our job line at 206.694.6840 requesting a specific job application, or you may apply in person at 1501 North 45th Street in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.
Please attach a cover letter and resume.
CLOSING DATE: 5:00pm onFriday July 31st.
WOMEN, PEOPLE OF COLOR AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. SOLID GROUND IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.