Encampment Response Coordinator

Summary
Under general supervision, the Encampment Response Coordinator coordinates the City's response to and cleanup of homeless encampments across Garland. The position works closely with the Garland Police Department to remove encampments, pursues compliance for encampments on private property, tracks cleanup costs and encampment data, conducts public education and outreach, and evaluates programs and practices for improvement. The position also supports other Environmental Compliance Department projects and performs light administrative duties.

Pay Range: (Depending on qualifications and experience)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates the City's response to homeless encampments, from initial complaint or discovery through site assessment, notice, removal, and cleanup.
• Works closely with the Garland Police Department and other City departments to plan, schedule, and carry out encampment removals and cleanups safely and in accordance with City policy and applicable law.
• Coordinates and directs cleanup crews and contractors on site; ensures work is completed safely and to standard.
• Pursues compliance for encampments located on private property; contacts and communicates with property owners, managers, and responsible parties verbally and in writing to explain violations, requirements, and deadlines.
• Documents all compliance efforts on private property, including notices, correspondence, photographs, and site visits.
• Tracks all costs associated with encampment cleanup efforts, including labor, contractor, equipment, and disposal costs, to support budgeting, reporting, and cost recovery.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date records and data on homeless encampments, including locations, complaints, actions taken, and outcomes; prepares reports and summaries for the Director as requested.
• Answers questions and responds to complaints by phone, email, or in person related to homeless encampments; enters complaints into the inspection system and routes them appropriately.
• Gives presentations to community groups, businesses, property owners, and other select audiences about homelessness, encampment impacts, and how to prevent illegal camping on their property.
• Attends council meetings and outreach events to inform and update on encampment-related topics.
• Researches and compares City programs, policies, and procedures with those of other municipalities; recommends improvements.
• Identifies and recommends methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the City's encampment response.
• Works on assigned projects that may involve other areas of the Environmental Compliance Department.
• Serves as the Department Purchasing Coordinator
• Performs light administrative duties and other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Human Services, or a closely related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in field operations, code enforcement, environmental compliance, public works, project coordination, or a related field. Experience must include coordinating work activities, responding to complaints, working with contractors or multiple stakeholders, or conducting field inspections.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/ Experience:

• Bachelor's degree, including 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in the following fields: environmental science (preferred), biological sciences, microbiology, chemistry, physical sciences, environmental engineering, or related fields. Additional coursework in communication skills is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of or experience working with people experiencing homelessness or with homeless encampments.
• Prior experience working in city government, including familiarity with municipal ordinances, departmental responsibilities, interdepartmental coordination, public complaint resolution, and local government operations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of municipal code enforcement and compliance processes, including notice, documentation, and due diligence requirements.
• Knowledge of issues affecting people experiencing homelessness, and of local social service and outreach resources (preferred).
• Knowledge of safe work practices for handling hazardous materials, sharps, and biohazards.
• Ability to lead, coordinate, and work as part of a team, including with police, City staff, contractors, and outside agencies.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and with tact, verbally and in writing, including with property owners and members of the public in difficult situations.
• Ability to speak in public and give presentations to groups of varying sizes.
• Ability to keep accurate records, track costs, and maintain organized data.
• Ability to apply policy and procedures in decision making and to solve problems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to changing conditions in the field.
• Exhibits excellent and professional customer service skills.
• Skill in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and in using inspection or case-tracking software.

Licenses and Certifications

• A Texas Class C driver's license.
  

Must obtain the following training within six (6) months of hire and maintain it as required:

• Hazardous Materials;
• First Aid/CPR;
• Needle and Sharps Safety; and
• Bloodborne Pathogens/Exposure Control.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Regularly works outdoors in all weather conditions and at all times of the year, including heat, cold, and rain.
• Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials, used needles and sharps, biohazards, uneven terrain, and potentially volatile situations; must follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• Must possess mobility to work in field settings and in a standard office setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer.