WI Balance of State CoC - CoC Homeless System Specialist

The Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care (WIBOSCOC) provides leadership and coordination to local homeless coalitions and one tribal nation across Wisconsin in all counties except for Dane, Milwaukee, and Racine.

Under the federal HEARTH Act, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires every CoC to ensure efficient and effective delivery of housing and supportive services to households experiencing homelessness. A key component of this requirement is implementing a CoC-wide Coordinated Entry System.

The WIBOSCOC supports local homeless coalitions in building and strengthening effective homeless crisis response systems. This includes homeless prevention, outreach, intake and assessment, homeless diversion, emergency services, supportive services, transitional housing, and permanent housing. The CoC Homeless System Specialist plays a central role in this work by:

• Supporting local coalitions through program development and system improvement

• Building and maintaining relationships with service providers

• Identifying service gaps across local homeless response systems

• Evaluating system effectiveness at the coalition level

• Providing training and technical assistance

• Collaborating with CoC staff to address areas of concern and implement improvements

Through this coordinated and data-informed approach, WIBOSCOC drives system-wide accountability, strengthens local capacity, and advances a unified vision to prevent and end homelessness across the Balance of State—ensuring that every person experiencing homelessness has equitable, timely access to safe, stable housing and the support necessary to achieve long-term stability.

Essential Job Functions

1. Support local homeless coalitions in their efforts to prevent and end homelessness. This includes identifying barriers households face in accessing services and working collaboratively with coalitions to address and remove those barriers.

2. Assist with implementation of local homeless coalition action and after-hour plans, and expand education on effective homeless response systems across the Balance of State.

3. Support the expansion of CoC-level partnerships across various systems of care by identifying new partners, drafting agreements, facilitating discussions regarding CoC and coalition involvement, supporting Point-in-Time efforts, and increasing coordinated entry access points.

4. Verify requests for letters of support and conduct follow-up regarding agreements and progress on initiatives identified within those letters.

5. Regularly review the Housing Inventory Chart (HIC) with local homeless coalitions to ensure accuracy and completeness of project data

6. Collaborate with Lived Experience groups to meaningfully integrate lived expertise into coalition planning, decision-making, and system design.

7. Coordinate and facilitate training, technical assistance, and problem-solving discussions to strengthen local system performance.

8. Participate in Balance of State CoC special projects and initiatives, including coalition support activities, CoC-wide committee support, and annual CoC conference.

9. Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support the mission and strategic priorities of the WIBOSCOC.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position

• Demonstrated effectiveness in building and maintaining relationships and establishing trust with various stakeholders

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

• Proficiency in general computer applications, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

• Strong attention to detail, with excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to analyze, summarize, and communicate complex information to a varied audience.

• Strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills

• Self-motivated, proactive, and solutions-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities

• Ability to learn quickly, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, anticipate and meet established deadlines, and consistently produce high quality work products in a face- paced, deadline-driven environment

• Individuals with lived experience of homelessness strongly encouraged to apply

• Ability and willingness to travel, including overnight travel within Wisconsin and attendance at national conferences

• Experience with coordinated entry, HUD funded grant programs, and HMIS preferred

• Valid driver’s license, adequate vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation required

Supervision:

This full-time position will report to the Homeless Systems Manager and does not directly supervise any staff. This position is a fully remote position. The expectation is that the person will reside in Wisconsin or within 30 miles of the border.

Compensation and Benefits:

All CoC staff are employees of the Institute for Community Alliances (ICA) as the employer of record for the WI Balance of State CoC. Compensation and benefits are provided by ICA. The starting salary for this position is $55,000 - $60,000 per year with benefits and travel reimbursement.

Candidates must submit a Resume and Cover Letter that explains how their skills fit the requirements for this position. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, March 20th, 2026. Letters of recommendation are also encouraged with your application packet. EEO