Long Island Coalition for the Homeless
Position Title: CoC Community Engagement and Events Specialist
Reports To: Associate Director
About Us: The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) is dedicated to addressing homelessness on Long Island by collaborating with non-profits, government agencies, and community partners. As a leading advocate and service provider, we work to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness through a range of programs and initiatives. Our efforts include direct assistance, outreach, resource distribution, and emergency support. Additionally, we focus on advocacy and systemic change to expand access to vital services and housing solutions, striving to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. For more information about us please visit our website at www.addressthehomeless.org.
About the Continuum of Care (CoC):The Continuum of Care (CoC) is a federally designated regional planning body tasked with coordinating housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Led by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH), the CoC works in partnership with local providers, government agencies, and community stakeholders to promote housing stability, ensure effective resource coordination, and oversee performance across funded programs. As the CoC lead, LICH manages the region’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), submits the annual HUD CoC funding application, monitors housing program outcomes, and facilitates strategic planning efforts to end homelessness across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Position Summary: The CoC Community Engagement and Events Specialist is responsible for advancing community awareness, public engagement, and advocacy efforts that support solutions to homelessness. This role leads the planning and coordination of public events, community forums, town halls, legislative meetings, and local focus groups to promote informed dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
The Specialist works to strengthen partnerships with community members, elected officials, and media representatives to ensure accurate, solution-focused messaging. This position supports initiatives that increase public understanding of homelessness, promote affordable housing development, address local barriers such as restrictive zoning and NIMBY opposition, and advance advocacy efforts that expand shelter access and reduce the criminalization of homelessness.
Key CoC roles include leading and coordinating CoC events and public forums, advancing education and community awareness initiatives, and supporting the Legislative Committee’s efforts to promote policy change aligned with the Continuum of Care’s mission and strategic goals.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and plan for awareness building events and local forums that educate and listen to the public on homelessness (e.g. legislative meetings, local town halls)
- Support CoC Legislative Committee and CoC Policy and Planning Manager in advancing and implementing local policy changes that better reduce homelessness
- Support CoC Education and Advocacy and CoC Training Specialist with local awareness campaigns, and community messaging and circulation of educational materials and tabling events
- Support the coordination of annual homeless Point-In-Time count
The duties listed in this job description outline the primary responsibilities of the position. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support agency goals and contribute to the success of various programs.
Qualifications: Bachelors in related field and/or a minimum of three years’ experience in policy, community organizing, compliance or similar required; master’s preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus. Must have a commitment to organization’s mission and goals. This position requires an ability to interpret and develop policies and research related to homelessness. Must be able to work effectively with diverse people and personalities and promote inclusive environments/spaces; must have demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills; possesses effective verbal (including public speaking) and written communication skills; ability to use or learn to use computer database applications. Must be able to work well as part of a diverse team and across different teams, programs, and community sectors.
Work Environment & Requirements: Ability to travel locally for meetings, community events, and outreach efforts.
Benefits:
- Simple IRA
- IRA matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8-hour shift- includes 1 hour lunch unpaid
- Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
