Program Specialist - Homelessness System Coordination Team

About the job

Position Overview 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 workgroups, assisting with policy development, federal grant processes (including the annual HUD CoC NOFO), and interagency collaboration to prevent and end homelessness across Utah. Principal Responsibilities 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 Workgroups (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.