Howard County: Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.   Howard County Government:   Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.    What are we looking for?   We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.   What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government: * We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.   * We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!   * We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.  * As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work. POSITION SUMMARY: The Homeless Services Division Manager holds a senior leadership role within the Department of Housing and Community Development responsible for overseeing and coordinating Howard County's efforts to prevent and end homelessness. This position will develop and articulate a long-term vision, lead the implementation of comprehensive strategies, and drive system-wide improvements in homeless services. The Division Manager will report directly to the Deputy Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development and will play a crucial role in shaping policy, managing resources, and fostering cross-sector collaborations to address homelessness.    CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs advanced professional level human services work, which includes supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from a senior manager. Work typically includes supervision of a Division within the Department Community Resources and Services providing a major grouping of citizen services involving multiple sites, such as senior centers, or providing guided access to a broad array of supportive social and health services and resources for target populations. Work may also include negotiating and administering grants; preparing budgets; designing instruments for use in data gathering; and contacts with public, health, and social service agencies in support of programs.Strategic Leadership and Policy Development: * Develop and articulate a long-term vision for addressing homelessness in Howard County.  * Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of Howard County's strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. * Formulate, maintain and recommend policies to improve the effectiveness of homeless services, advocating for changes at local, state, and federal levels. * Provide expert advice, regular briefings and presentations to the Continuum of Care of Homeless Services Board, the Director and Deputy Director of the Departmetn of Housing and Community Development on homeless issues, trends, and innovative solutions. Program Oversight and Management: * Oversee the coordination, administration and execution of homeless services programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and alignment with policies and best practices. * Implement innovative approaches, pilot programs and partnerships to improve service delivery and outcomes including: Guide staff in researching and resolving complaints, ensuring that lessons learned are integrated into future planning and operational efforts and implement innovative approaches, pilot programs and partnerships to improve service delivery and outcomes.   *  Lead the department's response to homelessness-related crises or emergencies, developing and coordinating services. Collaboration and Partnership Building: * Foster strong partnerships with non-profit organizations, public, private, faith-based groups, community leaders and other stakeholders to create a coordinated community-wide response to homelessness.  * Cultivate relationships with leaders in other sectors (e.g., healthcare, education, criminal justice) to address the multifaceted nature of homelessness. * Represent Howard County in regional and state-level collaborations addressing homelessness. Data-Driven Decision Making and Performance Management: * Establish and monitor key performance indicators for the entire homeless services system. * Utilize data to identify trends, inform decision-making, measure effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery. * Ensure transparency and accountability through regular reporting of outcomes, strengths and weaknesses of the homeless response system, and recommendations for improvements. Funds and Resource Management:  * Oversee large budgets including federal, state and local grant programs.  * Develop strategies for diversifying funding sources and maximizing resource utilization. * Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities, including federal and state grants. * Oversees grants management and compliance activities ensuring successful grant audits and monitoring visits.  Community Engagement and Communication: * Organize and guide the work of Howard County's Coalition to End Homelessness including developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy and community education initiatives. * Oversee management of Howard County's Coalition to End Homeless Board, and its committees in accordance with federal Continuum of Care of Homeless Services program guidelines. * Engage with community groups, attend public meetings, and respond to community concerns related to homelessness.  Senior Leadership and Organizational Development:  * Participate in senior leadership meetings and contribute to overall department and county-wide strategic decisions. * Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development opportunities for homeless services staff, facilitating a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback, participation and iterative refinement of system processes and policies. * Develop leadership within the department to ensure continuity of services and institutional knowledge. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Supervises all staff under the Division of Homeless Services * Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the County's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field. * Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in homeless services, social services, or a related field, with at least 7 years in a senior management role. * Comprehensive knowledge of best practices in homeless services, housing programs, and related social services. * Strong understanding of federal, state, and local policies and regulations related to homelessness and housing. * Proven track record of successful grant writing and management of large budgets. * Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, including public speaking. * Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and high-level stakeholders. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform strategic decision-making. * Experience in crisis management and developing innovative solutions for complex social issues. * Strong computer proficiency especially with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and other relevant software applications. * Proficiency in virtual platforms and use of technology for human services delivery. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.   The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.  LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.   Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.   Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions.Possession of a valid driver's license.