Program Specialist - Homelessness System Coordination Team

Program Specialist - Homelessness System Coordination Team

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $25.00 - $29.00 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Final date to receive applications – 10/11/2026

The Program Specialist provides technical assistance, operational support, and system coordination as a member of the Homelessness System Coordination (HSC) Team within the Utah Office of Homeless Services (OHS). This role supports the Balance of State (BoS) Continuum of Care (CoC), Local Homeless Councils (LHCs), and statewide work groups, assisting with policy development, federal grant processes (including the annual HUD CoC NOFO), and interagency collaboration to prevent and end homelessness across Utah.

• Provide dedicated support and technical assistance to designated Local Homeless Councils (LHCs) in the Balance of State CoC, assisting with policy and procedure creation, identifying improvement opportunities, and communicating recommendations to leadership.
• Serve as lead OHS support staff for assigned Balance of State Work groups (such as Coordinated Entry and Systems Advocacy & Performance).
• Support the Collaborative Applicant lead with the annual HUD CoC NOFO application process, project review and ranking, and HUD monitoring activities.
• Coordinate with internal DWS/OHS colleagues, the DWS contracts team, homeless service providers, federal partners, local governments, and other state departments to align homelessness response efforts.
• Deliver training and technical support to agencies statewide to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, CoC policies, data quality standards, and national best practices.
• Support the implementation of statewide plans, policies, and recommendations on homelessness in coordination with local community homelessness plans.
• Assist with the development of Requests for Grant Applications (RFGA) and other funding solicitations.
  Collaborate on the creation and submission of state and federally required reports, as well as ad hoc queries.
• Resolve high-conflict service delivery and contract management issues by responding effectively to requests, problems, or breakdowns raised by stakeholders.
• Support program communications and outreach, including updating website content and assisting with Balance of State newsletter creation and distribution.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2 or more years of progressive experience in federal grant administration, housing and urban development programs, or homeless service systems management.

• Proven ability to design and deliver training to diverse audiences, including elected officials, executive directors, service providers, and the public.
• Experience establishing program policies, procedures, and technical assistance framework.
• Strong problem-solving, stress management, and conflict resolution skills in complex environments.
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and manage changing priorities.
• Demonstrated professional sensitivity, tact, and responsiveness when working with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace applications.

• Direct experience writing or evaluating HUD CoC funding applications as a Collaborative Applicant or Lead Agency staff.
• Familiarity with Utah’s statewide homelessness response structure, OHS governance,…