Careers

The Planning Council seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce that shares our commitment to providing exceptional service with uncompromising integrity.  We believe that by fostering an environment in which employees’ differences are respected and valued, we can better meet the varying needs of the diverse clients and partners we serve.

Through a set of shared values, we are able to maintain an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, fairness, and a commitment to excellence.  We strive to engage our employees in meaningful activities that offer professional growth and development opportunities.  It is in this manner that all employees are able to participate and contribute to their full potential as they provide exceptional service in support of our mission and strengthen our organizational effectiveness.

Qualified applicants for positions must submit a Cover Letter, Resume and contact information of 3 professional references. Documents may be emailed to Angela Kellam, CEO/President at: akellam@theplanningcouncil.org.  Or sent by mail to: Angela Kellam, CEO/President, The Planning Council, 2551 Eltham Avenue Suite I, Norfolk VA 23513.

Program Manager, Regional Continuums of Care

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for leading a team that provides direction and support for preventing and ending homelessness across the Greater Hampton Roads region. The Program Manager will work with diverse stakeholders to assess the strengths and gaps of the HUD Continuums of Care including individual program performance, overall system performance, analysis of data and trends, and alignment with national best practices.

Additionally, this position has a primary responsibility to provide leadership and supports to expand the capacity of the respective CoCs to increase the depth and breadth of services available to populations experiencing homelessness, and to ensure that services are provided in a comprehensive and coordinated manner in an accountable system.

Simultaneously, the Program Manager will assist with analyzing system gaps and opportunities to link the respective CoCs with other mainstream programs and systems, including Housing Authorities, Human Services Departments, Local City/County programs and potential funding partners. Exploring funding opportunities outside of HUD, especially funding for special populations, is a responsibility shared with other members of the CoC team and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have excellent writing and speaking skills, experience in facilitating community groups, and demonstrated project management expertise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1.  Coordinates and oversees the activities of the governing bodies for each CoC and all individual committees outlined in the bylaws and governing documents.

2.  Ensures progress is made toward the strategic goals and objectives developed by each CoC and provides frequent communication with internal staff members and external partners, stakeholders, community members and other CoC representatives.

3.  Prepares and oversees the application process for the Continuum of Care applications in conjunction with community individuals, local governments, and organizations. The application process includes coordinating year-round data and activities such as Priority Setting and Strategic Planning, Point in Time Count, Longitudinal System Analysis, Housing Inventory Chart and Grant Inventory Worksheet.

4.  Responsible for submitting competitive, accurate applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, annually and on time. Ensure an open and inclusive process for all eligible applicants to secure community funds.

5.  Ensures a collaborative process for the implementation of a centralized assessment system designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and provision of referrals for housing and support services.

6.  Facilitates ongoing evaluation and peer monitoring of projects for which federal, state and local government funding was awarded.

7.  Facilitates activities to identify the needs within the homeless delivery system, including data collection and analysis.

8.  Monitors and reports on implementation activities related to plans to end homelessness and other related community efforts.

9.  In collaboration with the Data Team, conducts system-wide analysis and reporting of the homeless population, housing and support services within the entire CoC.

10. Monitors and responds to changes to federal, state and local programs and guidelines.

11. Participates in local, state and national working committees and events as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises the Continuum of Care Coordination Team. Is responsible for the employee’s overall direction, coordination and evaluation. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

1.       Experience with federal funding requirements and programs.

2.       Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and ability to use various proprietary databases and mapping technologies.

3.   Demonstrated ability to relate well to individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds and of varying abilities.

4.   Criminal History Search within 30 days of employment.

5.   Excellent communication skills, the ability to work well with diverse people and organizations to build consensus, strong organizational skills.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Required: Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university in Social Work (Macro Level Practice Preferred, Mezzo level accepted), Public Administration, Urban Planning, Human Service Administration or related Human Services field. Three to five years relevant work experience in program management and previous supervisory responsibilities.

Preferred: Master’s Degree (M.A.) in one of the above concentrations. Previous grant – writing experience preferred.

Continuum of Care Coordinator

SUMMARY

This position will be responsible for coordinating activities, providing administrative support, and managing projects for regional Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) programs.  The position serves as a member of the Continuum of Care Team responsible for supporting homeless service provider agencies and securing federal, state and local funding for housing and services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Specific to CoC Coordination:

1. Coordinate ongoing activities for regional Continuums of Care for which The Planning Council is responsible, including recruitment of new members, arranging monthly general membership and leadership meetings, subcommittee meetings, information exchanges, training and ad hoc events.
2. Coordinate specific activities carried out as part of the CoC application processes in conjunction with community individuals, local governments, and organizations. The process includes collaborating with other members of the TPC team to analyze and use data and metrics to lead/support activities such as Priority Setting and Strategic Planning.
3. Conduct on-going surveillance of National Promising Practices and Innovations in housing and housing support services and keep CoC members updated on the latest trends and solutions that may improve the options and outcomes available to individuals and families experiencing housing instability.
4. Provide administrative support by disseminating meeting notices, announcements, minutes, and other correspondence; maintain records, archives, membership lists, and attendance records.
5. Respond in a timely manner to all community partners seeking technical assistance, information, and other resources around homelessness and housing stabilization.
6. Assist with the development of various reports and procedures to respond to the requirements of funding agencies and jurisdictions, as well as provide information to the general public.
7. Manage the recruitment, orientation, daily activities, and evaluation of volunteers and interns assigned to the CoC Team.
8. Represent The Planning Council at local, state and federal meetings and training events as needed.
9. Assist with responding to initiatives required of the Continuum of Care, such as program development for special populations, as needed.

Specific to Coordinated Assessment:

Coordinated Assessment is a portal of entry process to connect individuals and families who are homeless, or those at imminent risk of becoming homeless, to an existing available shelter or housing resource in the communities based on vulnerability and other factors.  It is a required process for agencies receiving federal and state funding for homeless services.

1. Provide coordination for all activities related to Coordinated Assessment. Specifically, this position coordinates subcommittee meetings to assess all needs for homeless individuals and households to match their housing and/or service needs with the best available resource.
2. Manage communication and technical support for providers and work related to the Housing Crisis Hotline’s role within the Continuum of Care.
3. Work with the Data Team to develop reports around Coordinated Assessment activities, as needed.
4. Collect data for the development of local, state, and federal applications for homeless services funding.
5. Coordinate daily Vacancy Report communications between homeless providers to ensure an effective process for placements into housing.