Continuum of Care Specialist

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Transparency & Communication | Equity & Inclusion | Accountability

Service & Outcomes Excellence | Our People Matter

Description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Continuum of Care Specialist will work with the CoC Planning staff in the performance monitoring, evaluation and technical support of homeless prevention, diversion, and outreach programs, crisis housing services, and short and long-term housing and services that receive federal, state, or local Continuum of Care, Emergency Solutions Grant, or other homeless funding. The Continuum of Care Specialist will plan and implement meetings and analyze performance data as well as participate in Continuum of Care activities throughout the year.

The Continuum of Care Specialist is part of a team that is responsible for: Program Performance Monitoring, Evaluation & Technical Support, Systems Level Monitoring & Performance Evaluation, Coalition Meetings & Trainings, New Agency on-boarding, Policy Updates, Special population initiatives and CoC related activities.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs a variety of duties that requires advanced knowledge in social work, specifically homelessness, Continuum of Care (CoC) practices, and HUD policies and procedures. Work involves the provision of both direct and indirect services to clients, stakeholders, community, and county staff. The position exercises discretion and independent judgment; representative inquiries may involve giving guidance to resolve issues or influence the resource planning process. Work is performed under minimal supervision and is subject to review and evaluation through conferences, post-audits, personal inspections, written reports, and public acceptance.

Examples of Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

System Performance

This position focuses on monitoring, evaluating, and improving the performance of Continuum of Care (CoC)-funded programs and the overall homeless response system in alignment with HUD System Performance Measures (SPMs).

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor and evaluate project-level performancefor CoC- and ESG-funded programs, including:
- Exits to permanent housing
- Length of time homeless
- Returns to homelessness
- Income and employment outcomes
Lead Annual Performance Report (APR) review and quality assurance, ensuring accuracy and compliance prior to HUD submission
Analyze System Performance Measures (SPMs) and identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for system improvement
Support development and implementation of corrective action plans (CAPs) for underperforming providers
Conduct desk monitoring and on-site monitoring in coordination with Planning Manager and leadership
Provide recommendations for:
- Project improvement
- Funding reallocation
- System redesign strategies
Assist with Longitudinal Systems Analysis (LSA) review and interpretation
Track system-wide performance benchmarks and contribute to CoC NOFO scoring and ranking processes
Ensure alignment with HUD performance expectations and Housing First principles
Assist CoC planning manager with CoC and ESG competitions
Other relevant duties as assigned

System Improvement

This position focuses on strengthening provider capacity, implementing best practices, and improving system design to enhance outcomes across the Continuum of Care.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide technical assistance (TA)to CoC-funded providers and community partners, including:
- Housing First implementation
- Low-barrier shelter practices
- Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) models
Develop and deliver training curriculum for CoC providers and stakeholders
Support implementation and continuous improvement of:
- Coordinated Entry processes
- Diversion and prevention strategies
Identify system gaps and service barriers and recommend actionable solutions
Support new project development, including program design for NOFO and local funding opportunities
Facilitate peer learning opportunities and communities of practice
Assist providers with:
- Policy and procedure development
- Program design alignment with HUD requirements
Promote evidence-based and promising practices across the CoC
Collaborate with HMIS and System Performance staff to align training and TA with data-driven needs
Assist CoC planning manager with CoC and ESG competitions
Other relevant duties as assigned

System Communications

This position is responsible for ensuring transparent, consistent, and effective communication across the Continuum of Care, including governance support and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Coordinate and manage CoC communications strategy, including internal and external messaging
Support and coordinate:
- CoC Board meetings
- Committee meetings (Governance, Ranking, Coordinated Entry, etc.)
Prepare and distribute:
- Agendas, minutes, and meeting materials
- CoC newsletters and updates
Maintain CoC website and public-facing materials, ensuring compliance with HUD transparency requirements
Ensure public posting of required documents, including:
- Governance charter and bylaws
- Written standards
- Project rankings and funding decisions
Facilitate CoC membership processes, including onboarding and engagement
Support engagement of:
- Providers
- Local government partners
- Individuals with lived experience
Assist with public reporting and dashboards
Strengthening partner relationships and community awareness of CoC activities
Assist CoC planning manager with CoC and ESG competitions
Other relevant duties as assigned

HMIS Data & Performance

This position focuses on ensuring data quality, supporting system performance measurement, and strengthening the use of HMIS data to drive decision-making and HUD compliance across the Continuum of Care.

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor HMIS data quality across CoC-funded providers and participating agencies, including:
- Data completeness, timeliness, and accuracy
- Run and distribute routine data quality reports (weekly, monthly)
Identify data quality issues, trends, and gaps and work with providers to resolve them
Support compliance with HUD HMIS Data Standards and CoC reporting requirements
Assist with preparation and validation of federal reporting, including:
- System Performance Measures (SPMs)
- Longitudinal Systems Analysis (LSA)
- Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR)
Review Annual Performance Report (APR) and CAPER data for accuracy and alignment with HMIS records
Track and monitor CoC system performance metrics, including:
- Length of time homeless
- Returns to homelessness
- Exits to permanent housing
- Income and employment outcomes
Provide validated data sets and reports to Planning Manager and CoC leadership to support system analysis
Develop and maintain dashboards and reports for internal and external stakeholders
Translate HMIS data into clear, actionable insights for providers, committees, and leadership
Provide data-focused technical assistance to providers, including:
- HMIS data entry standards
- Data quality improvement strategies
- Understanding system performance measures
Support HMIS Lead in delivering training and developing user guidance materials
Assist with data validation and monitoring activities, including identifying discrepancies and performance risks
Collaborate with Planning and System Improvement staff to align data with system performance and improvement efforts
Maintain documentation of data quality issues, resolutions, and trends
Other relevant duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Social Work, OR
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work-Child Welfare Collaborative, OR
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one (1) year of directly related experience, OR
Master’s degree in counseling from an accredited college/university in a human services field and one (1) year directly related experience, OR

Bachelor’s degree in a human service field from an accredited college/university and two (2) years directly related experience, OR
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university and three (3) years directly related experience.

Must have possession of an appropriate driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina. A motor vehicle record (MVR), background check, and drug screening will be conducted on candidates considered for positions.

Supplemental Information

Driving is Essential

Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the county’s driving criteria.

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions:

Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. Work requires contact with clients, family members and other professional disciplines and service agencies. Employees work in settings that range from public service buildings, residential facilities, institutions, or home environments. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, operate a computer, and do extensive reading. Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present. Work environment involves normal, everyday discomforts or unpleasantness. Work area has adequate light, heat, and ventilation; environment is organized and stable. Work presents no significant hazards to employees.

Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.

Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.

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