Special Projects Director

Introduction

This position is instrumental in developing programs for vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or justice system involvement. With responsibilities spanning grant writing, program development, and policy analysis, the role requires a dynamic professional capable of conducting thorough research, fostering community partnerships, and driving impactful outcomes.

This Special Projects Director plays a pivotal role in the Community Services Administration by coordinating, planning, and implementing initiatives that address these critical social service needs.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This position is responsible for the coordinating, planning and implementation of Community Services special projects. Work involves leadership in the development of grant applications for specified issues and/or departments under the Community Services Administration. The person filling this position may also be responsible for the coordination and management of special projects when they are in the start-up phase requiring thorough research and investigation of various ways to provide additional services to the community.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts need assessments on issues of substance use and addiction, homelessness, youth & families, elderly, re-entry and justice system-involved populations, and other social service needs in New Haven.
• Develops specific programs to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, including those with substance use disorder or mental health conditions, homeless families and individuals, re-entry and justice-system involved populations, and other related at-risk individuals.
• Monitors, researches, and seeks funding from public and private funding sources on Local, State and Federal levels for a variety of human service programs and projects related to areas such as substance use & addiction, homelessness, re-entry & justice system involved populations.
• Maintains liaison with City staff and community organizations that have programs (such as health, housing, and other related human services) that impact identified populations.
• Participates in the research, development, and preparation of grant proposals.
• Researches, compiles, analyzes, and presents data relating to identified vulnerable population.
• Analyzes and develops policy recommendation in regard to service needs of identified population.
• Prepares and submits legislative proposals regarding the issues of human services.
• Performs other related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university preferred, with major course work in relevant areas such as social work, public health, public administration; minimum of 1 year of experience in program planning, social services program administration, community development, or public administration. In lieu of college degree, 3 additional years of experience in a related field may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of projects or program planning and development with a focus on vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, analysis and report writing.
• Ability to research, develop and analyze social service programs and policies.
• Ability to research and identify sources of grant funding and prepare grant applications.
• Ability to develop relationships and work with the community organization, agencies, clients, nonprofit/government partners, and funders.
• Ability to develop collective impact metrics and coordinate efforts of various agencies for a common goal.
• Ability to express ideas clearly in writing and orally.
• Ability to use computers and common software applications (MSWord and Excel).

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a General Fund, "Tested" position. This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE .

General Funded hires into this class are not covered by Social Security and will not pay Social Security taxes. They instead participate in the City Pension; the employee contribution rate is 10% of pay.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
• You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application
• Review or modify your application for that position.
• Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation.
• Click "Send to City of New Haven" .
• You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION" .
• You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission.
• If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at .

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.

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