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Iowa - Youth Initiatives Project Manager
Job Title: Youth Initiatives Project Manager
Location: Remote
Reports to: Iowa Balance of State CoC Director
Status: Full-time, Contract Position
Position Summary:
The Iowa Balance of State Continuum of Care (BoS CoC) is the planning organization for homeless services in 96 counties across Iowa (excluding Polk, Pottawattamie, and Woodbury). Homeward services as the counterpart to the BoS CoC in Polk County. The Iowa BoS CoC and Homeward submitted a joint application for Youth Homeless System Improvement (YHSI) funds and were notified of their award in June 2024. These grant funds are expected to begin in September 2024.
Under the direction of the Iowa Balance of State CoC Director and in partnership with Iowa Balance of State and Homeward staff, this position is responsible for planning and executing the activities described in the joint application for Youth Homeless System Improvement funds. This position will work in 97 counties in Iowa (all 96 counties of the Balance of State and Polk County), and significant travel is expected. This position will be responsible for creating partnerships with HHS and the Department of Education for discharge planning and the creation of toolkits for providers, coordinating training for homeless service providers across the geographic area, and conducting evaluation of the training programs. This is a 30-month (2.5 year) contract.
Key Responsibilities:
YSHI staff will initiate connections with Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Iowa Department of Education (DoE) to initiate partnerships and awareness for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in the State of Iowa. Share data and Community Needs analysis as needed.
Work with the IA BoS CoC Youth Action Boards (YABs) and Homeward’s Youth Action Council (YAC) on best practices in creating a discharge plan for youth and young adults exiting foster care. Draft, review, and finalize discharge plan with HHS connections and Transition Planning Specialists.
Work with the YABs and YAC on drafting connection toolkits with the DoE State Homeless Coordinator. Review and finalize toolkits with youth and young adults with lived experience and the participating school Homeless Liaisons.
Promote new discharge plan and connection toolkits with HHS and DoE partners and youth serving partners.
Finalize contracts with consultants and plan quarterly trainings for youth serving partners focused on trauma informed care, positive youth development, racial and gender equity, and best practices for serving LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Consult with appropriate planning partners in each CoC, including the Polk County Service Council and the IA BoS CoC Coordinated Service Regions Task Group and other relevant partners.
Collect training evaluation data and adjust training offerings as needed. Help to document additional training needs.
Work with the IA BoS CoC training team to capture curriculum and short videos to live on the learning management system (LMS).
Build out partnerships to market training, both those on the LMS and the quarterly training for providers.
Work with the YAB, YAC, and CoC staff to gather best practices in serving youth focusing on Housing First and equitable processes.
With staff and YAC/YAB members, lead planning and hosting efforts for a full day conference geared toward statewide partners as grant culminating lessons learned event.
Report YHSI progress to the IA BoS and Homeward CoC boards quarterly.
Engage, educate, and expand partnerships with IA BoS CoC & Homeward board members and other relevant community partners to collaborate towards the goals of the YHSI project.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university or combined equivalent of education and experience (public policy, sociology, program evaluation, social sciences or similar). We value practical and/or lived experience and recognize that it can often provide the skills and knowledge needed for this role. Therefore, equivalent professional and/or life experience(s) is always considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience with HUD administered grant programs preferred
Knowledge and understanding of homelessness and/or other human service programs, especially youth and young adults experiencing homelessness
Ability to work independently
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc)
Attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks and assignments
Team player and collaborator with a positive attitude
Other Requirements
A valid driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance
Travel/Work Schedule
Occasional local, inter-office, regional, and national travel for community outreach/involvement, industry networking, etc. (generally less than one week for each occurrence)
This position is shared between the Balance of State and Homeward, so significant travel to Des Moines may be required
Schedule may fluctuate based on workload
Expense Reimbursement
Direct and necessary expense related to required job-related activities are eligible for reimbursement. The incumbent is responsible for the timely request and submission of complete and accurate reimbursement documentation and form(s). Refer to the Personnel Policies & Procedures for full guidelines.
Pay and Benefits
$55,000 to $60,000 salary per year
Benefits include:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health Insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Vision insurance
Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they are passionate about working with youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted through the ICA Job Board at https://icalliances.org/all-openings by August 22, 2024. Questions can be submitted to courtney.guntly@icalliances.org.