Human Services Supervisor

The role of the Human Services Supervisor is to supervise and evaluate the effectiveness of the City of Kirkland's Human Services Division with a focus on the City's homelessness response and outreach. The position works interdepartmentally, locally, and regionally to align homeless response efforts, inform policy, and ensure coordinated, compassionate, and pragmatic responses to homelessness and other human service needs.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Human Services Supervisor is responsible for leadership, oversight, and implementation of the City's homelessness response strategies, including outreach, encampment response coordination, existing and proposed service levels, and development of new programs as needed. This position coordinates with all departments, notably the Homeless Assistance and Response Team (HART) and local partners to develop and implement comprehensive homeless response and prevention strategies and other related human service needs.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises human services staff, primarily those focused on homeless outreach and case management. Attracts and retains a competent and professional staff. Creates and maintains a positive work environment.
• Supervises subordinate personnel, including motivating, training, and delegating assignments; scheduling; monitoring performance; conducting performance evaluations; taking disciplinary/corrective action; recommending salary increases and promotions; and recommending hirings and terminations.
• Develops and manages program budget, and prepares financial reports of the homeless outreach program. Conducts financial audits of direct service provision, prepares financial reports, and keeps the Department Director and City Manager appraised of program performance.
• Maintains effective oversight of the City's homeless response through implementation of the Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan.
• Assesses and develops strategies to meet community needs through effective oversight and planning of various human services with a focus on homelessness, including prevention, outreach, and housing.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and primary point of contact within the City on issues related to homelessness and related human services.
• Leads and facilitates community engagement, education, and staff training regarding the City's response to homelessness.
• Oversees data collection, analysis, and reporting to evaluate City's program effectiveness and inform decision-making for homeless response. Responsible for participation in regional homeless management and case management software systems.
• Collaborates with City staff to provide support and expertise on related issues, including human service grants, resources, committees, and task forces as needed.
• Administers the City's participation in the King County Community Development Block Grant Consortium, ensuring compliance with federal funding requirements.
• Coordinates efforts with the Human Services Commission, related Council Committees, and regional committees related to homelessness. Includes production of oral and written reports.
• Represents the City at Council meetings, boards, commissions, and community groups regarding homelessness initiatives.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with human service agencies, community-based and faith-based organizations, jurisdictional partners, and regional outreach professionals.
• Explores opportunities for regional cooperation in solving human services issues. Supports and participate in regional efforts to better identify and address homeless response.
• Issues request for proposals for consultants, human services providers, and other contracting agencies as appropriate. Negotiates fees and contracts for service providers.
• Develops and implements outreach, education, and communication strategies to foster community awareness and engagement in the City's response to homelessness.
• Provides outreach to people experiencing homelessness to build trust, understand needs, and connect them with resources as needed.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Maintains knowledge and practice of policies and procedures in the City's response to homelessness.
• May act as the Human Services Manager in their absence.
• Participates in special projects as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Why Kirkland?

• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health, and/or low-income populations.
• Strong knowledge of issues, barriers, and resources related to homelessness, mental health, and substance use.
• Advanced knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques in human services administration and development.
• Ability to build trust and work compassionately with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge of and ability to work effectively within the regional homelessness response system with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other groups to collaborate and connect individuals with services.
• Strong relationship-building skills; able to coordinate program activities with diverse stakeholders across varied backgrounds, experiences, and expertise.
• Ability to manage, coach, and support staff in direct service roles.
• Advanced communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to connect with and present to diverse stakeholders, including the unhoused community, nonprofit partners, outreach staff, elected officials, and community members.
• Experience with case management systems and management of electronic files, including familiarity with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Ability to recognize and define problems and recommend solutions.
• Skill in negotiating contracts or agreements with outside agencies to enhance service levels.
• Ability to analyze, research, and prepare reports.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and program evaluation abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving needs.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, public administration, public health, or related field.
• Experience: 3-5 years of progressively responsible work experience in human services or homelessness program management, including staff supervision and program development. Lived or professional experience working with people experiencing homelessness, low-income populations, or vulnerable groups, including those with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling is preferred.
• 2 years of experience leading in a social service setting, specifically supporting staff who work with people experiencing homelessness, with mental health conditions, or substance use disorders is desired.
• Knowledge and experience working in East King County is preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.
• Prefer American Safety Health Institute (ASHI) Healthcare provider CPR/AED/first aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Upon hire, candidate will obtain the required training and certification needed to administer county screening and intake assessments.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment, but field work may be required to support the City's outreach response.
• Field work requires being outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Field work involves outreach to individuals who may be unsheltered, living on the streets, in shelters, or located in suburban campsites and homeless campsites. Interacting and engaging with individuals who are experiencing homelessness could include working with folks dealing with mental health challenges and/or substance use.
• Travel to meetings, site visits, and areas where unhoused folks are living is required.
• This position does offer hybrid remote work opportunities and requires flexibility to support the City's outreach response, which could include day, evening, and weekend hours.
• This position encounters foot hazards as defined by the WAC, which may include any of the following: falling objects, rolling objects, piercing/cutting injuries, or electrical hazards.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. First review of applicants will be 15 days after original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.