(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Leads, directs, and manages all activities and operations of the department, including code compliance, community engagement, volunteer coordination and community programs which includes housing grants and planning (CDBG, Private Activity Bond Allocation, HOME grants, etc.) and direct services and/or referrals in the areas of homelessness, utility assistance, volunteerism, community and partner relations, etc. that help to enhance the quality of life of residents.
Provides cross-departmental leadership on services and strategies related to human services, work with vulnerable populations, neighborhood support, and other community capacity building to include development of strategy, coordination of services, and data collection sharing between departments such as Police, Fire, and Planning and Economic Development.
Serves as a leader and convener on regional, intergovernmental and interagency planning related to issues of community health such as homelessness, mental health, food insecurity, youth violence, and civility.
Researches and evaluated emerging and identified best practices related to services, funding strategies, partnership frameworks and data collection and sharing in areas related to the work of the Department to include human services, homelessness, affordable housing, neighborhood health and community engagement.
Motivates and influences people to facilitate organizational effectiveness.
Creates collaborative and strategic relationships through attending relevant public meetings, planning sessions, meetings, and events; works with outside agencies to facilitate the provision of services to residents; serves on county and regional committees to study trends, learn of model programs, build capacity, and conceptualize programming opportunities; and participates in professional organizations and community groups.
Manages politically sensitive community program issues.
Manages the development of long-range strategic plans, goals, objectives, policies, and department priorities.
Assesses local needs and updates the strategic plan for the future of the department, the city, and the community. Analyzes problems, identifies alternative solutions, projects consequences of proposed actions, and implements recommendations in support of goals and provides excellent customer service.
Develops and implements the department budget. Determines levels of staff, equipment and other resources needed to effectively and efficiently provide departmental services and programs. Pursues grant opportunities at the federal, state, and local level.
Ensures compliance with federal regulations and guidelines to various funding sources, including the Community Development Block Grants, Private Activity Bonds, and other federal, state or local grants.
Manages, supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff and functions.
Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement of employees.
Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress.
Guides, trains and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; evaluates performance.
Monitors departmental operations and customer service to ensure quality control.
Identifies and resolves deficiencies.
Prepares and presents periodic and special staff reports on departmental issues and projects.
Balances advocacy for individual department wants/needs with commitment to and support for the best overall outcomes for the city and community.
Maintains a thorough knowledge of federal and state laws, local statutes, ordinances, standards, procedures, and trends related to department operations, and ensures their implementation.
Develops and implements rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to advance the department's mission, goals and objectives.
Oversees the administration of grants.
Advocates necessary changes to promote high quality of life within the community; coordinates and resolves interdepartmental issues that arise from department processes.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major emphasis in Human Services, Social Work, or related field. Eight years' increasingly responsible experience in human services, social science, education, community engagement, or related field, and five years' experience in supervisory/management experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. MPA or master’s degree preferred and experience working in a municipal/government agency.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, practices, and goals of the City of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to transportation and public works.
Knowledge of the general principles and practices of public administration, including personnel management and supervision, organizational development and budgeting.
Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices, including as they relate to roadways and transportation related infrastructure.
Skill in planning, organizing, assigning and coordinating the activities of professional and technical staff.
Skill in determining levels of staff, equipment, and other resources needed to effectively and efficiently provide departmental services and programs.
Skill in reading, interpreting, and understanding blueprint drawings, specifications and contract documents.
Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and procedures in order to achieve department missions, goals, and objectives.
Skill in dealing constructively with conflict, developing consensus and facilitating change.
Ability to develop, manage, monitor, and maintain budgets.
Ability to assess community and city needs and strategically plan for the future.
Ability to effectively represent the city in meetings with professional organizations, other public agencies, and the public.
Ability to monitor departmental operations and customer service to ensure quality control, and to identify and resolve deficiencies.
Ability to motivate, lead, supervise and train employees.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to serve effectively as a member of a senior management team.
Ability to interpret, understand, and comply with complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards, and laws.
Ability to analyze and evaluate information accurately, and to express ideas clearly when providing oral and written reports or recommendations on administrative, financial and technical issues.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software required for the job.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City management, employees, elected officials, board and commission members, other agencies, community members and the general public.
Physical and Mental Requirements: