What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Homeless Outreach Coordinator position at City of Tracy?
Click here to learn more about the City of Tracy and here for the job announcement.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Oral Board: MARCH 6, 2025
Application Deadline: FEBRUARY 25, 2025
Oral Board: MARCH 6, 2025
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Tracy Police Department’s Familiar Faces Homeless Outreach Team is looking for an individual with a passion to work with high-risk vulnerable populations in our community. The incumbent will work in tandem with sworn police officers in the field to respond individuals who may be experiencing mental health crisis, controlled substance abuse, or are unsheltered and provide these individuals with services, resources, and connection to community programs. Incumbents will typically be deployed with a police officer and can expect to be trained to follow appropriate police protocol.
The ideal candidate will have experience de-escalating situations and advising police on appropriate interventions. The environment is often fast-paced and uncertain, so a successful candidate will have strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills while also being able to quickly assess situations for personal safety and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. A successful incumbent will also have strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to connect with high-risk vulnerable populations to conduct wellness checks, client outreach and follow-up, and the ability to advocate for individuals is important. The ideal candidate will also have experience preparing concise and accurate reports and evaluations. Performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, working effectively in a team environment, knowledge of departmental, City & County resource programs, and extensive public contact. Finally, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is highly desirable. (Bilingual pay is an additional 2% of the base pay.)
The Tracy Police Department’s Familiar Faces Homeless Outreach Team is looking for an individual with a passion to work with high-risk vulnerable populations in our community. The incumbent will work in tandem with sworn police officers in the field to respond individuals who may be experiencing mental health crisis, controlled substance abuse, or are unsheltered and provide these individuals with services, resources, and connection to community programs. Incumbents will typically be deployed with a police officer and can expect to be trained to follow appropriate police protocol.
The ideal candidate will have experience de-escalating situations and advising police on appropriate interventions. The environment is often fast-paced and uncertain, so a successful candidate will have strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills while also being able to quickly assess situations for personal safety and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. A successful incumbent will also have strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to connect with high-risk vulnerable populations to conduct wellness checks, client outreach and follow-up, and the ability to advocate for individuals is important. The ideal candidate will also have experience preparing concise and accurate reports and evaluations. Performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, working effectively in a team environment, knowledge of departmental, City & County resource programs, and extensive public contact. Finally, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is highly desirable. (Bilingual pay is an additional 2% of the base pay.)
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of field and administrative activities to assist the Police Department in providing outreach services to the unsheltered population; provides comprehensive non- sworn staff support to Police department personnel and coordinates with other City, County, and community organizations to deliver services and resources that provide assistance to unsheltered individuals, fosters cooperative working relationships with various public and private groups; and performs related duties, as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This classification serves primarily in a liaison role to identify and establish contact with unsheltered individuals, and works closely with law enforcement, homeless service providers, and other community resource organizations to assist the unsheltered with short and long-term care goals and supportive services. Incumbents spend a substantial amount of time working directly with unsheltered individuals, in the streets, in shelters and in encampments within the City. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, working effectively in a team environment, knowledge of departmental, City & County resource programs, and extensive public contact.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Establish contact and identify individuals experiencing homelessness and/or mental health issues on the streets, in local shelters, vehicles or encampments within the City of Tracy.
- Participate in the Police departments Familiar Faces Program or other Police managed programs to provide outreach and resources to the unsheltered population.
- Inform and educate unsheltered individuals of services and benefits available to assist in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
- Work closely with homeless service providers, law enforcement, local businesses, faith-based organizations, various City departments and other entities that provide outreach education or consultation to assist homeless individuals with short and long-term care goals including strategies to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency and to obtain permanent housing.
- Assist with plans for homeless individuals to obtain educational, psychological, or social assessments and treatments, substance abuse treatment, work skills training, and/or relevant workshops provided by other entities.
- As part of a team, provide supportive services to the chronically homeless mentally ill who may have issues with substance abuse, a criminal history and/or related chronic conditions or behavior.
- Engage with the unsheltered population, develop relationships with individuals and recommend referrals to organizations that provide continuum of care.
- May provide non-medical, voluntary transportation to unsheltered individuals and their property in order to connect them with the appropriate community resources. Works closely with various public and private groups in the development and coordination of cooperative working relationships.
- Attend and participate in a variety of group meetings including the public, City and County representatives.
- Maintain records and statistics related to the unsheltered population; perform other administrative tasks as needed
- Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KOWLEDGE OF:
Available social services, including behavioral health, mental health, financial and housing assistance, counseling services, alcohol/drug addiction recovery, food/clothing, and faith-based organizations assistance.
- Principles and practices of community engagement.
- Principles of conflict resolution.
- Basic principles of record keeping.
- Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
- Operations and functions of the Police Department and other public safety agencies.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
- Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
ABILITY TO:
Communicate effectively with a diverse population.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Assess situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgment.
- Maintain accurate records and files.
- Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
- Develop, read, and interpret rules, policies and procedures.
- Research complaints, problems and prepare responses for management, including composing correspondence.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with individuals; governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations.
- Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to an associate degree in social work, health and human services, psychology, or a related field and two (2) years of experience performing community outreach, working with the homeless and related community service organizations or social work experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
- Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
- May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; maintain physical standards, including mobility, physical strength, and stamina to respond to emergency situations; vision to read printed materials, a computer screen and drive a motor vehicle; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate police services equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; maintain physical standards, including mobility, physical strength, and stamina to respond to emergency situations; vision to read printed materials, a computer screen and drive a motor vehicle; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate police services equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions, and partially in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting departmental policies and procedures. The principal duties of this class are performed in an outdoor environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be willing to work irregular shifts, including weekends, and holidays. Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a “Local Emergency” is declared during the employee’s shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a “Local Emergency” is declared outside of the employee’s shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.
Salary : $71,871 - $87,359
