Problem Solving Specialist IV

Sacramento Steps Forward; Sacramento (CA); Ibrido; USD 49.000 - 56.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Accrued time off

Descrizione del lavoro

Sacramento Steps Forward is seeking a Problem Solving Specialist IV to lead PSAP operations, reviewing referrals and applications for housing stabilization and coordinated access. You will serve as a senior subject matter expert, guiding providers and staff while ensuring compliance with program requirements.

The role involves coordinating with the Finance Department, landlords, and case managers, and supporting ongoing process improvements and training.

Competenze

• Experience supporting low-income populations and understanding barriers to homelessness.
• Familiarity with housing systems (Coordinated Entry, PSH, Rapid Rehousing, affordable housing) and property management.
• Experience reviewing leases, income docs, invoices, and utility bills.

Mansioni

• Serve as a lead SME on PSAP operations, policies, and best practices.
• Process PSAP referrals and applications from providers for housing stabilization assistance.
• Coordinate with providers, landlords, and accounting for check pick-up and payments.
• Prepare PSRs for Director review and maintain timely processing of requests.
• Provide training and guidance to PSAP providers and staff.

Conoscenze

Homelessness prevention

Housing stabilization

Training/TA experience

Data tracking

Formazione

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Strumenti

HMIS

Descrizione del lavoro

The Mission, Vision, and Values of Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF) is to resolve homelessness through leadership, convening partners, data-driven best practices, and improving system performance. Our vision is an equitable community where everyone has a safe place to call home. We believe in human-centered, community-inspired solutions, with a focus on equity, transparency, and continuous learning.

Sacramento Steps Forward oversees and manages the Problem-Solving Access Point (PSAP) homeless prevention program. PSAPs are trained agencies that help households across Sacramento County resolve their housing crisis through mediation, conflict resolution, connections to mainstream resources, and/or limited financial assistance that directly helps secure permanent housing.

Reporting to the Director of Coordinated Access System Operations, the Problem Solving Specialist IV is an advanced-level position responsible for processing Problem-Solving Access Point (PSAP) referrals and applications from initial review through release to PSAP agencies for direct client assistance. The position requires extensive experience and specialized knowledge of homelessness prevention, housing stabilization, affordable housing, property management, and financial assistance programs.

The Problem Solving Specialist IV independently reviews complex requests and supporting documentation, resolves application and documentation issues, coordinates with PSAP providers the Finance Department and prepares Problem Solving Requests for Director review and approval. The position serves as a lead subject matter expert for PSAP operations and provides technical guidance to providers and staff. The Problem Solving Specialist IV also supports provider training, policy and procedure development, data tracking, and continuous improvement of PSAP processes.

This position is in accordance with key responsibilities as outlined in the Specialist series.

SSF embraces technology to develop ongoing efficiencies. Currently the office is a hybrid operation. This position will be required to report to the office periodically.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Serves as a lead subject matter expert on PSAP operations, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Processes PSAP referrals and applications received from providers, including rental assistance, security deposits, utilities, move-in costs, and other eligible housing stabilization expenses.
• Reviews supporting documentation for eligibility, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.
• Exercises independent judgment when reviewing complex requests and resolving application or documentation issues.
• Follows up with providers regarding outstanding documentation, corrections, and other items needed to complete PSAP requests.
• Prepares complete and accurate PSRs for Director review and approval and ensure timely processing of requests.
• Notifies providers when requests are approved and coordinate required notifications to landlords and case managers.
• Coordinates the check pick-up process with providers, landlords, and accounting staff, including scheduling and confirming check pick-up arrangements.
• Coordinates with Accounting to resolve payment-related questions and support timely issuance and distribution of approved assistance.
• Conducts quality reviews to support consistent application of PSAP policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to PSAP providers regarding referrals, application requirements, documentation, and housing stabilization practices.
• Supports provider meetings, onboarding, trainings, office hours, and other learning opportunities as needed.
• Maintains effective working relationships with PSAP providers, accounting staff, the Program Administrator, and other internal and external partners.
• Applies specialized knowledge of housing programs, property management, landlords, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Rapid Rehousing to support appropriate PSAP assistance and housing stabilization.
• Attends prevention and housing-related meetings and initiatives as needed.
• Supports the development, implementation, and improvement of PSAP policies, procedures, workflows, and best practices.
• Supports PSAP data tracking and maintain tracking tools to ensure accurate and timely program information.
• Tracks PSAP referrals and applications from receipt through final disposition and maintain accurate status information and documentation.
• Identifies trends, documentation gaps, and process challenges and provide strategic recommendations to the Program Administrator and Director of CAS Operations.
• Provides technical guidance and support to PSAP Specialists on complex applications, documentation requirements, and PSAP procedures.
• Provides subject matter guidance and recommendations to leadership related to PSAP operations, processing, and process improvements.

Other Duties

• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with others.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Ideal candidates will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities and experience:

• Experience supporting low-income populations and an understanding of complex barriers related to homelessness.
• Experience and familiarity with housing systems, including Coordinated Entry, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, affordable housing, or property management.
• Experience reviewing leases, rental agreements, income documentation, invoices, utility bills, and other housing related documentation.
• Experience with HMIS or other homeless services databases.
• Knowledge of HUD, HHAP, Continuum of Care, or other housing and homelessness funding requirements.
• Experience providing training, technical assistance, or program onboarding.

Education and/or Experience:

• An Associate’s degree or completion of equivalent credit units from an accredited college or university is required preferably in behavioral science, business administration, social work, humanities, public administration, social science, career counseling, vocational development or a related field or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., information systems, social work, public administration) preferred but not required or equivalent work experience. Two years of experience in homelessness prevention, diversion, housing navigation and stabilization, affordable housing, property management, Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, or related services required.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation range $35.70 to $40.80; Planned maximum is at the mid-range at hire, depending on qualifications and experience (DOE). This is a full-time, non-exempt position with benefits; health, dental, and vision, 401k, accrued time off and paid holidays.

Sacramento Steps Forward is committed to the principles of being an equal opportunity employer in accordance with state and federal law. Sacramento Steps Forward organizational policies, practices, programs, activities and decisions regarding employment are not based on a person’s protected status or class, in accordance with applicable law.

Sacramento Steps Forward will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].

The position will be open until filled. Please do not contact Sacramento Steps Forward directly. No phone calls or personal visits will be accommodated without an appointment. Staffing and recruiting agencies, are welcome to respond.