Homeless Services Chief

The Contra Costa Health Department is offering excellent employment opportunities for dynamic and experienced individuals that are ready to serve the community in the Homeless Services Chief position. The department currently has one (1) vacancy in the Health, Housing & Homeless Services Division (H3) Division located in Concord, CA.

H3 is committed to making homelessness short-lived and non-recurring by ensuring an integrated system of housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness in Contra Costa County. The homeless service delivery system includes street outreach, respite and emergency shelters, independent living programs for transition-age youth, and permanent supportive housing for adults, youth, and families.

The Homeless Services Chief position will be responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight of the administration and operations of the Richmond/Contra Costa homeless continuum of care. Some key responsibilities include coordinating entry processes, emergency management, and planning activities. While professional qualifications are essential, the emphasis of this position is on a high degree of executive ability as well as demonstrated leadership, administrative management, and training skills.

Health, Housing & Homeless Services (H3) leads the County’s systemwide response to homelessness, including administration of the Continuum of Care (CoC) program and the County’s Homeless Information Management System (HMIS). Additionally, this program has oversight of emergency shelter programs, supportive housing, California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) services, Coordinated Outreach, Referral, and Engagement (CORE) program, and the County’s street-based outreach initiative.

We are looking for someone who:

is able to formulate goals and implement procedures to meet program objectives

values working collaboratively with diverse communities, agencies, and other program administrators

is able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

is able to prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports

is able to work effectively with constituents, advocacy groups, community agencies, and the general public

acknowledges and respects cultural and linguistic differences of the County’s diverse population

What you will typically be responsible for:

Providing strategic direction, driving improvement, and advancing equity within our Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC)

Ensuring compliance of system and program level operations with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and best practices using evaluation, monitoring, and training

Coordinating quality improvement efforts, including identifying technical assistance needs, community processes, and ensuring transparency and equity, and using data in participation, design, decision-making, and implementation

Participating in homeless services and housing-related committees and task forces and representing the division at various meetings

Working alongside and collaborating with a vast array of homeless service providers, governmental leadership, advocacy groups, and law enforcement

A few reasons you might love this job:

You will have a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on homelessness in Contra Costa County

You will create a strong continuum of services for formerly homeless people

You will see a project develop from the very beginning

A few challenges you might face in this job:

You will need to reach out to federal, state, local, and private sources of financing for affordable housing, interim housing, and housing services

You will need to work collaboratively with a team, across multiple Contra Costa County departments, and outside consultants

You will manage complex projects that require attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to stay focused and organized

Competencies Required:

Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims

Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks

Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires

Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results

Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing

Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships

Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations

Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities

Group Facilitation: Enabling constructive and productive group interaction

Managing & Facilitating Change: Addressing key factors that influence successful organizational change

Managing Organizational Complexity: Maneuvering through complex political situations and functions within the organization

Read the complete job description: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/classspecs/4465?keywords=homeless%20services%20chief&pagetype=classSpecifications

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a Master degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social/Behavioral Science or Business/Public Administration or a closely related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of full time experience, or its equivalent, managing a behavioral health, health services, or social services program in a public or non-profit agency, which included staff supervision, budget and contract management responsibilities.

Substitution: A Bachelor degree and two (2) additional years of qualifying experience as noted above may be substituted for the Masters degree.

Desirable Qualifications:

Experience developing regulations, policies, and procedures

Program and project management experience

Virtual Oral Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online video assessment. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. In the assessment, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher. These may include but are not limited to: Delivering Results, Innovative Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Building & Maintaining Relationships, Involving Others (Engaging Teams), and Thinking & Acting Systematically. (Weighted 100%)

Final Selection Interviews: Will be scheduled by the department once the eligible list is established.

TENTATIVE DATES

Virtual Interview: Week of April 10, 2026

The examination steps noted above may be changed in accordance with the County’s Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment questions, please contact Health Services Personnel Recruitment Team at Exams@cchealth.org. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicles Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Master degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social/Behavioral Science or Business/Public Administration or a closely related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of full time experience, or its equivalent, managing a behavioral health, health services, or social services program in a public or non-profit agency, which included staff supervision, budget and contract management responsibilities.

Substitution: A Bachelor degree and two (2) additional years of qualifying experience as noted above may be substituted for the Masters degree.

Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Supervisory Management

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Class specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Under general direction, plans, organizes and directs all activities of the County's Homeless Program within the Behavioral Health Division of the Health Services Department; develops and implements program objectives; coordinates the integration of diverse program components; supervises subordinate staff; ensures compliance of administrative and legislative mandates; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This single position class is located within the Behavioral Health Division of the Health Services Department. This class is distinguished by its responsibility to integrate and oversee housing, social welfare, behavioral health and health care services for the homeless population. This position has substantial contact with the public including outside agencies, elected officials, other County Departments, and city government staff. This classification reports to and receives general policy direction from the Behavioral Health Division Director.

While professional qualifications are essential, the emphasis of this position is on a high degree of executive ability as well as demonstrated leadership and administrative management and training.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicles Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Master degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social/Behavioral Science or Business/Public Administration or a closely related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of full time experience, or its equivalent, managing a behavioral health, health services, or social services program in a public or non-profit agency, which included staff supervision, budget and contract management responsibilities.

Substitution: A Bachelor degree and two (2) additional years of qualifying experience as noted above may be substituted for the Masters degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Social welfare, housing, and health issues specific to the homeless population and those at risk for homelessness

Public health and health care trends that impact the homeless

Government mandates, funding sources, organizational structures and related public services as they relate to the homeless population

Practices of management and supervision

Principles and practices of public administration, budget preparation, and personnel and fiscal management

The functions and services of public, nonprofit, and private agencies that work with the homeless

Ability to:

Formulate goals and implement procedures to meet program objectives

Work collaboratively with diverse agencies and other program administrators

Communicate effectively orally and in writing

Work effectively with constituents, advocacy groups, community agencies and the general public

Manage, supervise and coordinate the work of subordinate staff

Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports

Speak effectively in public forums

Provide and promote excellence in customer service for both internal and external customers

Acknowledge and respect cultural and linguistic differences of the County's diverse population

Typical Tasks

Plans, organizes and coordinates all program activities for the County Homeless Services Program as dictated by Division goals, policies and procedures

Develops and analyzes policies and procedures related to service delivery

Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and ensures compliance with applicable Federal, State, and other standards and regulations

Evaluates, plans for, and allocates personnel and fiscal resources

Monitors program expenditures to ensure compliance with budgets and applicable state and federal regulations

Acts as liaison with various County Programs, community organizations, advocacy groups and other outside agencies

Collaborates with clinical supervisors and providers to ensure appropriateness of service planning and delivery

Reviews program operations and services for consistency with division goals and policies

Oversees grant writing activities and contracts related to service delivery

As Continuum of Care Coordinator, works with a vast array of homeless service providers, governmental leadership, advocacy groups, and law enforcement to advance the mission of the Contra Costa Inter-jurisdictional Council on Homelessness and meet the priorities set by the Contra Costa/Richmond Homeless Continuum of Care

Participates on committees and task forces to assess needs and revise and/or improve service delivery

May represent the division at various meetings

Makes written and oral reports and presentations regarding program services and operations

As part of the Behavioral Health Management Team, assists in the planning, development, and administration of various programs within the Behavioral Health Division

Selects, evaluates and supervises subordinate professional staff

Provides and promotes excellent customer service for all internal and external customers