NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.
Under direction of the Assistant City Manager, assists in the implementation of the City’s homelessness outreach programs within the City. Under general supervision, coordinates and oversees the City’s Homeless Action Plan programs focused mainly on those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the City; and collaborates with public agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations involved in the planning and delivery of services and facilities to homeless persons.
This position is FLSA exempt, non-represented, and serves in an "at will" capacity. Salary and benefits are established by City Council Resolution for classifications designated as Executive, Mid-Management, Confidential/Exempt.
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and type of work performed at a journey level by an incumbent. Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Serve as the City’s point person for Homelessness resources and questions.
- Maintain the City’s Homeless Resources hotline, website and brochure.
- Update and implement the City of Downey Homeless Action Plan.
- Provide outreach and engagement with those experiencing homelessness seeking housing, shelter, behavioral and physical health linkages, employment and other supportive services; providing linkage to all appropriate services and providers as needed.
- Manage outreach and cleanup efforts.
- Coordinate the annual homeless count with community stakeholders.
- Work with various local providers, agencies, workforce boards, non-profits and faith-based organizations to facilitate needed services, resources, and opportunities; and establish and maintain effective relationships with governmental and community agencies regarding programs and services.
- Serve as the City representative on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments Homelessness TAC and the SPA 7 Homeless Coalition meetings.
- Coordinate the City's STEP Team, which is a collaborative, multi-departmental initiative focused on addressing homelessness in the Downey Community. The STEP team includes City Net, Downey Police Officers, including the Downey Police Department Mental Evaluation Team, Public Works, Code Enforcement, Parks & Recreation, and the City Manager’s Office, all working together to provide support, resources, and solutions.
- Along with the City’s housing program administrator, coordinates housing programs, including housing rehabilitation, rental assistance, rental arrears prevention, project implementation, and program monitoring.
- Manages housing and homelessness-related funding sources, including PLHA, Measure A Local Solutions Fund, and other funds that support affordable housing, housing stability, and homelessness prevention activities.
- Supports affordable housing responsibilities, including funding eligibility review, affordability compliance, and coordination with consultants, auditors, nonprofit and development partners.
- Coordinates Housing Successor Agency responsibilities, including annual reporting, audit support, restricted fund tracking, affordable housing loan monitoring, and preparation of related governing body actions.
- Oversees contracts for housing and homelessness programs to ensure effective service delivery, budget oversight, compliance, and performance tracking.
- Prepare program reports and make presentations concerning program activities, goals, and objectives.
- Participate in the development and administration of program budgets.
- Apply for and administer federal, state, and local grants to expand resources.
- Facilitate workshops, trainings, and meetings within City department and outside government and community agencies.
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience and Training:
- Two years of grants and/or case management experience in a governmental or nonprofit organization with an emphasis on homeless services, data analysis, and evaluation and policy development.
- Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in public or business administration, social science, counseling or a related field.
License or Certificate:
- Possession of, or must obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Knowledge of: Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations. Local homeless service coordination efforts including the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, LA County Measure A funding and associating agencies, the COGs Affordable Housing Trust, Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative, and other local activities to address homelessness. Best practices in homeless service delivery systems. Principles of public administration. Quantitative and management analysis techniques. Project management methods and techniques. Methods of research program analysis and report preparation. Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Ability to: Coordinate the work of contract partners, support personnel and sub-recipient partners. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of homeless program goals. Conduct research, and develop and assess surveys and analyze data. Act as a resource for concerns of departments, boards, and commissions. Keep abreast of current innovative methods to address homelessness. Perform various reviews and evaluations to determine program compliance. Prepare and administer budgets. Deal effectively with the public, community groups, governmental agencies, and City boards and commissions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, or members of the community. Prepare correspondence and reports. Manage time, plan and organize administrative work effectively. Maintain privacy and confidentiality of information.
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.
Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching, bending, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work and operate general office equipment including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time. The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. An incumbent must be able to safely lift and carry books, files and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.
Selection/Testing Process:
All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the applicant's qualifications for the position. All information submitted is subject to verification.
For consideration, an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire are required to be completed and submitted by the application deadline. An attached resume will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. Failure to complete all the information requested may result in an application being removed from consideration.
Applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen, will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.
