Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human services, public administration, business, or related field, plus five (5) years of experience directing human services programs in homelessness, social services, low-income housing and community development, or administration, including at least two (2) years of experience in a management capacity.
- Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-management experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required: Notes to Applicants
To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here. To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click
HERE for more information.
Regarding Your Application: - A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Résumé and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Statements such as “See Résumé” will not be accepted, and a résumé alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
- Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
- Employment history dates must include month and year.
- This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
- To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by June 30, 2025.
- To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
- This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
Pay Range
Commensurate
Hours
8:00AM - 5:00PM Monday - Friday
Hours may vary depending upon business needs.
Job Close Date Type of Posting External Department Homeless Strategy Office Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 505 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, Texas Preferred Qualifications
The candidate selected for this role will have several exciting
opportunities to help Austin make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring
by leading and managing multiple components of the City’s homeless
response. This includes overseeing policy and planning, street outreach,
public space management, and shelter operations. A successful candidate
will have experience working in homeless services, managing high
functioning teams, coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, and
working in fast-paced environments. This is an exciting and impactful
opportunity to collaborate with multiple city departments and community
groups to make significant impacts in Austin’s homeless response system.
The following core competencies are important for this role:
Community Collaborator - Experience presenting complex information
to public stakeholders, management, City Manager’s Office,
Boards and Commissions, and City Council.
Communicates Effectively - Ability to work with diverse communities
and populations to build constructive and effective relationships and
convey and receive information.
Exceptional Leadership - A cohesive leader with the ability to build
quality interpersonal relationships throughout the City with diverse
communities and populations.
Thinks Critically and Strategically - Enables others to better
understand and implement the vision and strategy, while being an
aligned forward thinker and can formulate and communicate sound
business strategy and implement in a clear and concise manner.
Political Savvy - Ability to exhibit confidence and professional
diplomacy, while effectively relating to people at all levels, internally and
externally.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.Supports the Homeless Strategy Officer in leading and managing programs, functions, and initiatives to ensure effectiveness and efficient delivery of services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Collaborates with City leadership, outside agencies, and the community to develop and implement effective, data-informed strategies, policies, and initiatives aimed at making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Oversees the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices for homeless services, ensuring compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations. Assists in the planning, development, and administration of the department’s budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures; and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. Fosters and maintains strong relationships with City departments; Local, State, and Federal agencies; community organizations; and service providers to support and improve homelessness strategies. Responds to urgent issues related to homelessness, including incidents involving vulnerable populations, program challenges, or public concerns. Contributes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, ensuring City-funded services are aligned with best practices and federal funding requirements. Ensures accurate reporting and tracking of program outcomes through the Homeless Management Information System ( HMIS ) and City databases, using data to drive improvements in program delivery and efficiency. Serves as a lead expert on the City’s homelessness strategy and investments, presenting key programs, initiatives, and strategic direction to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, department directors, and community stakeholders.
Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. - Knowledge of business case development, strategic business planning, reengineering, organizational change strategies, performance measurement, and project management.
- Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of City Council mandates and municipal needs.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Ability to manage and/or develop grant funding opportunities.
- Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
- Ability to give public presentations.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
- Ability to work in partnership with stakeholders and constituents.
- Ability to work with diverse populations, groups, and staff.
- Ability to use critical thinking and apply cultural sensitivity to interactions with the general public.
- Ability to develop strategic direction and program implementation collaboratively with various stakeholder and community groups.
Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.
Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Homeless Deputy Officer are: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human services, public administration, business, or related field, plus five (5) years of experience at services programs in homelessness, social services, low-income housing and community development, or administration, including at least two (2) years of experience in a management capacity. A graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-management experience up to a maximum of two (2) years. Do you meet these requirements?
* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you acknowledge that you understand that if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired. I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Check.
- I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Check.
* Please tell us how you meet the minimum qualifications of the role
(Open Ended Question)
* How do you balance immediate crisis response with long-term systemic change in homeless strategy?
(Open Ended Question)
* How would you engage business communities, neighborhood associations, and residents who may have concerns about homeless services in their areas?
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your leadership style and provide an example of a supervisory experience that exemplifies your leadership skills.
(Open Ended Question)
* What innovative approaches to homelessness have you seen in other cities that might work in Austin?
(Open Ended Question)
Optional & Required DocumentsRequired Documents Cover Letter Resume
Optional Documents