Homeless Liaison Officer

requesting a ride-along with the police department is strongly encouraged for all serious candidates. Please call  and request the on-duty sergeant to schedule.

to develop, organize, and perform the department's homeless and encampment related services in conjunction with local government agencies, community stakeholders, and non-profit, community-based organizations. Performs a wide variety of non-sworn field and office tasks including homeless outreach and engagement, facilitation of services, leading of encampment clean‑up efforts, coordinating of activities amongst community partners, and attending pertinent role related meetings. Links individuals to outside resources, including medical care, mental health services, housing opportunities (including shelters), family reunifications, and drug and alcohol services.

This position is distinguished by its responsibility to be the primary contact and resource for all homelessness-related issues.

supervision received: this position works under the direct supervision of the sergeant on duty and the indirect supervision of the operations commander.

supervision exercised: none exercised.

• maintains and makes available to all department employees a list of resources available to the homeless.
• maintains a list of the areas within and near our jurisdiction that frequently have homeless encampments.
• organizes, plans, coordinates, and documents multi‑agency encampment clean‑up efforts including both pre and post event requirements.
• documents, tracks, and manages property stored subsequent to encampment clean‑ups.
• processes evidence and property and provides for release or destruction according to prescribed procedures.
• communicate, inform on, and enforce laws and ordinances as necessary.
• engages in street outreach efforts involving individuals experiencing homelessness.
• initiates contact and establishes rapport with unsheltered individuals for the purpose of providing assistance and / or gaining cooperation in vacating camp locations.
• assists in complicated and complex issues concerning persons experiencing homelessness.
• develops and recommends homeless‑related policies, programs, and projects.
• participates in the development and implementation of project goals, objectives, and priorities.
• conducts research, studies, reports, and surveys related to homelessness.
• coordinates homelessness‑related planning and activities with other local government agencies, law enforcement, city staff and other community-based organizations.
• interacts with and provides education and resources to residents, service providers, and people experiencing homelessness.
• coordinates outreach resources to respond to calls for service.
• coordinates and assists other police personnel in enforcement, non‑enforcement, as well as sensitive and complex situations involving people experiencing homelessness.
• responds to public, community and residents’ concerns and inquiries in a courteous manner.
• represents the city at various public forums as required to discuss homelessness and related topics.
• completes written reports and documentation of plans, projects, and results.
• develops meeting notices and outreach materials such as fliers and brochures.
• serves as a liaison between the department and the public including housed and unhoused individuals.
• performs related and other duties as assigned.

personal computer, telephone, copier, fax, vehicle, trailer, utility vehicle, and canine handling equipment.

the physical requirements and environmental working conditions described herein 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.

work assignments are performed in an office environment as well as off‑site field locations. In the office environment, job duties involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods, and reaching, bending, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work and operate general office…