If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community minded team at the Committee on Temporary Shelter! For 40 years COTS has been working in Chittenden County to creatively find solutions to end homelessness; we aren’t afraid to try new things. We are looking for team members with a passion for doing good and creative thinking. COTS offers a competitive benefits package including access to healthcare, retirement savings, and robust time off, as well as benefits focused on supporting human services professionals with mental and emotional wellbeing.
COTS strives to create a supportive, collaborative and fun work environment…consider joining us on our mission to end homelessness!
The Outreach Program Coordinator is a critical front line management role overseeing our Housing Outreach Navigators. They work with the Emergency Shelter & Outreach Director and other community stakeholders to support those community members staying in the motels through emergency and general assistance programs, as well as those community members who are seeking housing navigation services at the Daystation, our daytime drop-in center. This position is funded through a state grant; current funding for this position is secured through June 2025.
This is a working manager role, meaning the Outreach Program Coordinator may be responsible for supporting clients directly depending on the team and client needs.
The primary responsibilities of the Outreach Program Coordinator include but are not limited to:
- Directly supervise a team of Housing Outreach Navigators. This includes providing necessary documentation and training on role expectations, facilitating referrals for clients, problem solving and crisis management, facilitate the distribution of harm reduction and basic needs essentials to clients, manage housing navigation referrals for new clients.
- Oversight and responsibility for program data and reporting. This includes ensuring timely entry of client data into the statewide Coordinated Entry (CE) system and COTS HMIS system as applicable; managing the program budget and providing updates as requested; completing required grant reporting for program funding.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with motel/hotel owners and staff, COTS Daystation team members, coordinated care team members, ESD, state funding partners, and other community agencies who partner with COTS to provide robust support services to our clients. This includes maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of state and local resources, eligibility requirements, and other benefits which may impact clients and team members.
- Participate in the COTS Safety Committee and consistently review and identify steps to mitigate safety concerns as well as ensure compliance with all policies and procedures applicable to the Outreach Program.
Experience, Skill & Education Requirements:
- A high school degree or equivalent with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a human services role required; prior experience in housing services and program management are strongly preferred.
- Minimum of one (1) year of leadership/supervisory experience is required.
- Demonstrated ability to handle conflict and crisis management required.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain working relationships with internal and external partners.
- Intermediate computer skills required, including ability to use database systems and Microsoft Office programs.
- Undergraduate degree in Social Work, Public Health, Criminal Justice, Public Policy, or other related field preferred.
- Prior experience with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for individuals and families is a plus. Prior experience working with substance abuse, mental illness and individuals with trauma histories strongly preferred.
All positions at COTS require a commitment to our mission: Advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness and provide emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for Vermonters who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed.
This is a full time position with benefits; salary range starts at $55,000. To apply, submit a cover letter explaining why this position is of interest to you and your resume to jobs@cotsonline.org.
COTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We embrace diversity and encourage all to apply.
One of COTS core values is "we believe in the value and dignity of every human life." This applies not only to the community members we serve, but to anyone who interacts with COTS, including our team members, volunteers, donors, and community members. We strive to make COTS a safe, welcoming place for everyone, regardless of how you identify, what your background is, or any other factor.
We are in year one of a three year partnership with nuwave Equity Corp, to formally review all of our organizational policies, procedures, and practices to ensure we are operating through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.