Director of the Department of Community Resilience

Introduction

The City of New Haven is seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to fill the crucial role of Director of the Department of Community Resilience. This highly responsible administrative and supervisory position involves coordinating, planning, and directing programs and policies for vulnerable populations within our community. The successful candidate will lead efforts in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, those with a history of incarceration, mental illness, substance use, and victims and perpetrators of violence. Reporting to the Community Services Administrator, the Director will oversee various operational programs, foster strategic partnerships, and drive initiatives to enhance the well-being and resilience of our community members. If you are a seasoned professional with a passion for social services, public administration, and community development, we invite you to apply for this impactful leadership position that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of community resilience in New Haven.

The Department of New Haven Community Resilience is a data-driven coordinated social services agency that aims to address complex human services needs in New Haven by diverting people from the criminal justice system and promoting community healing and well-being.

The department seeks to improve the city's ability to coordinate among contractors and service providers serving similar populations with similar needs to minimize duplication. It supports programs in data-based problem analysis and identifying and tracking key performance metrics that can be reported to the administration, Board of Alders, and the public.

The department oversees the Office of Violence Prevention, the Office of Community Mental Health, the Office of Housing and Homelessness, Reentry services, Elm City COMPASS, and Harm Reduction. Visit the Department of Community Resilience Facebook page HERE.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is highly responsible administrative and supervisory work in coordinating, planning, organizing, and directing programs and policies pertaining to populations of the New Haven community most vulnerable to poor outcomes including individuals experiencing homelessness, incarceration history, mental illness, substance use, and victims and perpetrators of violence.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees the various operational programs in the Department including the Office of Violence Prevention, Office of Housing and Homelessness Services, Reentry Programs, Community Crisis Response Team, and Mental Health and Substance Use initiatives.
• Develops and directs overall departmental strategy, including initiating, developing and/or revising a Departmental strategic plan including mission, vision, and values.
• Drafts and oversees the implementation of Departmental administrative policies.
• Supervises the collection, maintenance, analysis, and reporting of data related to all programs and offices within the Department.
• Directs the preparation and submission of grant applications, funding proposals, and required programmatic and financial reports to federal, state, and private funding agencies.
• Fosters close working relationships with the Mayor's Office, Community Service Administration Departments, Public Safety Departments, Departments of Human Resources, Labor, and others as required.
• Advises the Community Services Administrator, Mayor, and other City leadership on emerging issues, policy initiatives, legislative matters, and best practices affecting Department operations and the populations served.
• Ensures coordinated program planning an implementation to minimize duplication across multiple programs and funding streams and manage resources towards measurable impacts.
• Engages and supports managers and staff to help them identify and achieve departmental and professional development goals.
• Works with staff to prepare budgets, monitor expenditures, and analyze costs.
• Ensures adequate involvement and participation of the executive management team, legislative body, and community stakeholders in Departmental planning and oversight.
• Establishes, implements, and oversees transparency, accountability, quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives for all Departmental programs.
• Participates in high-level decision-making and may represent the Community Services Administrator and/or the Mayor at meetings and speaking engagements.
• Develops and/or provides input on program and policy recommendations to enhance services and outcomes, including legislative policies at state and local levels.
• Proactively seeks out and cultivates internal and external partnerships to further Departmental goals and objectives, particularly around crisis response, violence prevention, homelessness services, reentry, and mental health.
• Identifies and pursues funding opportunities that support the Department's mission.
• Participates in speaking engagements, writes articles, press releases, social media and radio, television, and appearances to promote the goals of the Department.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in Social Services, Public Administration, Social Work, or equivalent. Master's Degree Preferred. At least 5 years of progressively increasing responsibility in governmental or non-profit health and human services administration.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Considerable knowledge of planning and executing staffing strategies, including considerable knowledge of human resources and labor relations.
• Considerable knowledge in preparing and monitoring large and complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Considerable knowledge of funding sources and related rules and requirements.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant administration and compliance requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic plans in the area of social services with measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing organizational change and leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience using data and performance metrics to evaluate programs and inform policy decisions.
• Considerable knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and best practices related to the provision of services to the Department''s populations of focus.
• Considerable knowledge of evidence-based practices and emerging trends related to the Department''s programs and services.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention systems and community-based behavioral health resources.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Experience responding to crises or emergency situations involving vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary initiatives involving multiple public agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to address complex social or public health challenges.
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships with governmental, nonprofit, healthcare, academic, and community organizations.
• Ability to effectively liaise with other departments and agencies.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple levels of government.
• Ability to manage employees, including coaching staff, addressing performance issues, and resolving workplace conflict.
• Ability to navigate various stakeholder interests while maintaining professional integrity and focus on mission.
• Ability to represent the City in a professional and effective manner in public forums and interagency settings.
• Ability to analyze complex community issues and develop innovative, data-informed solutions.
• Ability to communicate complex policy, technical, and programmatic information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must possess strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office for creating items such as documents, spreadsheets, data analysis, and presentations.
• Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail), calendar applications, and collaboration tools (e.g. Teams, Zoom) for scheduling, managing correspondence, and participating in remote meetings.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Elector status in the city of New Haven is required within six (6) months of appointment.
• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours for meetings, emergencies, programming, and related assignments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

Amount of Time

Working Environment

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Stand

X

Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)

X

Walk

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Sit

X

Work in high, precarious places

X

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel

X

Fumes or airborne particles

X

Reach with hands and arms

X

Toxic or caustic chemicals

X

Climb or balance

X

Outdoor weather conditions

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Extreme cold (non-weather)

X

Talk or hear

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Taste or smell

X

Work with explosives

X

Risk of radiation

X

Lifting or force to be exerted?

Vibration

X

How much and how often?

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 75 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

More than 100 pounds

X

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a "General Fund" non-tested position. It is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE.

Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally, employee will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.

• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.

• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!

• Review or modify your application for that position

• Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation

• Click "Send to City of New Haven"

• You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"

• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission

• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.