The Whole Child’s Family Housing team is actively recruiting for a Problem Solving Specialist.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:  Under the leadership of the Manager of Problem Solving, the Specialist is responsible for supporting the implementation of problem solving/diversion services and practices in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care (LA CoC), externally to LAHSA funded providers and system partners.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:  This position will work to ensure best practices around problem solving/diversion are implemented countywide within programs and services.  This position will also be responsible for system-wide training and coordination of problem solving/diversion practices with other key system partners. The Specialist will support in developing scopes of work with funded agencies as well as providing training and support around the broader implementation and use of diversion.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Work interdepartmentally to assess problem solving/diversion funded positions and prioritize areas of training and technical assistance to support positions.
  • Enhance service delivery through the provision of targeted trainings and guidance to agencies.
  • Support the development and implementation of tools to assist agencies in tracking and providing services to participants, including training and guidance on developed tools/forms.
  • Coordinate and facilitate diversion trainings that promote best practices and skill development.
  • Manage a comprehensive list of staff trained in problem solving/diversion and coordinate with the problem-solving assistance fund administrator to ensure access and proper utilization of funds.
  • Develop relationships with stakeholders, community partners and service providers to enhance diversion practices in all areas of the homeless services delivery system.
  • Work in collaboration with other units to ensure accurate and effective monitoring of programs, data collection, contract implementation and reporting of outcomes.
  • Create, review and track performance improvement plans; coordinate with other units to ensure issues and concerns are properly addressed.
  • Coordinate, facilitate, train and support problem solving/diversion providers in post-award activities in conjunction with the system components team, such as: new contract onboarding, new program kick-offs, training on program Scopes of Required Services (SRS), best practices, and technical assistance to provides to ensure contracting and program requirements are met.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Excellent organization, analytical, written and oral communication skills,
  • Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgment.
  • A critical thinker, with a high level of initiation, motivation and enthusiasm.
  • Must be a confident self-starter who can develop effective business relationships, both internally & externally.
  • Demonstrate a sense of urgency, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
  • Skill in communication, including public presentations.
  • Prepare periodic reports for executive management, as necessary or requested, to track accomplishment of strategic goals and evaluate work performed.
  • Participate in management and organizational meetings.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

  • At least two years of relevant experience in homeless or social services, training and/or technical assistance. The successful candidate is required to have strong knowledge of the social services field and/or successful implementation of homeless programs in the non-profit, government, or private sector.
  • Knowledge of relevant research on homelessness and the practice of diversion.
  • Applicants must have strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders, attention to detail, experience in delivering presentations, and comfort in providing constructive feedback.

WHAT WE OFFER:

A competitive salary and an above average benefits package:

  • Medical* plan choice of HMO plans or PPO plan
  • Dental* plan choice of HMO or PPO
  • Vision Plan
  • 401K – $ for $ match up to 4%
  • Supplemental Insurances
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D
  • Pet Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 12 Holidays
  • PTO of 15 days per year that increases per policy

*HMO plans are at no cost to the employee

The Whole Child is an equal employment opportunity employer and no candidate for employment will be rejected on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or sex.  Candidates with physical impairments will be considered so long as it can be reasonably demonstrated that the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed without hazard to the individual, fellow employees, or clientele.