ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS:
The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Division Head for Homelessness and Housing Services has responsibility for managing the department’s comprehensive efforts to serve residents who are unhoused or unstably housed. The position has oversight of the citywide planning and development efforts that support Cambridge’s Continuum of Care (CoC), the publicly funded, multi-agency service system that develops and implements strategies to address homelessness in Cambridge for individuals and families. The position also supports the work of the Cambridge Multi Service Center (MSC), the operational arm of DHSP’s housing stability work. The MSC houses and coordinates programs and services that assist Cambridge residents to maintain stable housing, including referrals to emergency shelter, food pantries, and substance abuse and mental health services, as well as support in applying for rental assistance and navigating affordable housing opportunities, public benefits systems and employment and education services. Staff at the MSC also provide services to support 22 men living in permanent supported housing at the YMCA and are responsible for the Cambridge Coordinated Access Network which makes access to housing more equitable for those experiencing homelessness.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Division Head will provide leadership and strategic direction for the system-level work to eliminate homelessness, as well as effective oversight of programmatic efforts to prevent eviction. The Division Head will be knowledgeable about the complex systems governing affordable housing and homeless services and will have the ability to think deeply and creatively about approaches to best serve residents. The Division Head will provide supervision and support to a dedicated and diverse team of about 25 staff and will be a member of the DHSP leadership team, reporting to the Assistant City Manager for Human Services.
The Division Head’s specific duties include, but are not limited, to the following:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Experience and Education:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Please upload the following documents to complete your application:
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ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve -- one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@cambridgema.gov.