Director of Homeless Response & Support
City of West Sacramento West Sacramento, CA, USA
- Location: West Sacramento, CA, USA
- Categories: Administration and Management, Community and Economic Development, Housing, Human and Social Services, Other
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Oct 19, 2026
Job Description:
Director of Homeless Response & Support
Description
DEFINITION: The Director of Homeless Response & Support plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the programs, services, and operations of the Homeless Response and Support Department, including encampment response and cleanup, maintenance of City-owned facilities that house or serve individuals experiencing homelessness, outreach and engagement, shelter and interim housing, housing navigation and placement, and related grant-funded programs; develops and implements Citywide strategies, policies, and goals to reduce and prevent homelessness and to address its impacts on the community. The Director of Homeless Response & Support is an “at will” position and is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives direction from the Assistant City Manager – Community Services. Exercises direct supervision over management, professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative support staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This is a single-position executive level classification. The Director of Homeless Response & Support is responsible for setting Department direction, developing and carrying out long-range strategies, and aligning the City’s homeless response with regional, state, and federal systems of care. The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in interpreting and applying policy, balancing public health and safety, the needs and rights of individuals experiencing homelessness, and the concerns of residents and businesses.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the programs, services, and operations of the Homeless Response and Support Department; establishes Department goals, objectives, performance measures, and work programs consistent with City Council priorities and City Manager direction.
- Oversees encampment response and resolution activities, including the work of field crews; ensures encampment cleanup, notice, and personal property storage practices comply with applicable laws, court rulings, and City ordinances and policy.
- Oversees the operation, maintenance, safety, and capital needs of City-owned facilities that house or serve individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelters, navigation centers, interim and transitional housing sites, and related properties; coordinates with facility operators and service providers.
- Directs and coordinates street outreach, engagement, and case management services, whether provided by City staff or contracted providers; ensures services are trauma-informed, person-centered, and linked to shelter, behavioral health, medical, and housing resources.
- Directs housing navigation, rapid rehousing, prevention and diversion, and permanent housing placement efforts; works to expand housing opportunities in coordination with the City’s housing and community development functions and regional partners.
- Serves as the City’s primary liaison with Yolo County Health and Human Services, the regional Continuum of Care, neighboring jurisdictions, law enforcement, healthcare and behavioral health systems, nonprofit and faith-based providers, and state and federal agencies; represents the City on regional committees and working groups.
- Coordinates department activities with the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Code Enforcement, Community Development, the City Attorney’s Office, and other City departments to deliver a unified and consistent City response.
- Prepares, administers, and monitors the department budget; forecasts funding and staffing needs; approves expenditures; and ensures fiscal accountability.
- Identifies, pursues, and manages federal, state, county, and private funding opportunities; oversees grant applications, compliance, expenditure tracking, and reporting.
- Develops, negotiates, and administers contracts and agreements with service providers, facility operators, consultants, and vendors; establishes performance standards and monitors contract compliance and outcomes.
- Directs the collection, analysis, and reporting of program data, including participation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), coordinated entry, and Point-in-Time Count; uses data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
- Participates in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation and discipline of department staff. Prepares and presents staff reports, policy recommendations, and presentations to the City Council, City Manager, boards, commissions, community groups, and regional bodies.
- Leads community engagement and communication related to homelessness; responds to and resolves sensitive and complex inquiries and complaints from residents, businesses, advocates, and the media; works with the City’s communications staff on public information.
- Monitors legislation, case law, regulations, and best practices related to homelessness, encampments, housing, and behavioral health; evaluates their impact on City operations and recommends policy and program changes.
- Directs or supports department participation in emergency operations, including extreme weather responses, emergency shelter activation, and Citywide emergency events; may serve in an Emergency Operations Center role.