Homeless Services Manager - Ontario, CA

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, click here to view the job bulletin · Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. The first review ...

Job description

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, click here to view the job bulletin

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. The first review of applications will be on March 12, 2026.
The City of Ontario's Housing Services Department is seeking a skilled, motivated and collaborative individual to join the team as the Homeless Services Manager, overseeing the City's homeless services. The City's homeless services include the Ontario Continuum of Care which contains the following components: street outreach, access center, interim/emergency housing, tenant-based rental assistance, permanent affordable housing and housing stabilization services.

Under general direction, this position will develop, organize and manage the City's homeless services and will develop and maintain partnerships with local government agencies, law enforcement, City staff, community stakeholders and non-profit/community-based organizations to coordinate homeless policy and long-term planning to make a positive impact on the community.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including the ability to oversee division operations, supervise staff, and cultivate a high-performing, mission driven workforce.
• Proven experience in homeless assistance services and programs with a strong commitment to public service.
• Comprehensive knowledge of homeless services systems and funding streams at the federal, state, county, and local levels.
• Strong data analytics and reporting skills, including the ability to analyze program performance, interpret complex data, and present findings clearly to leadership and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across departments, service providers, and community partners.
• Knowledge of contract management principles and practices, including monitoring compliance and performance outcomes.
• Experience with grant writing, grant administration, and reporting requirements.

Additionally, the successful candidate will embody the Department's mission and vision as well as the qualities of a
"Five Tool Player"
- Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator and Public Servant - and the principles of the City's
Customer Service Philosophy
– Empathy, Respect, and Problem Solving.

The Following Procedures Will Apply

• The Eligibility List will consist of both internal and external applicants who meet the qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes.
• The hiring department has the discretion to consider internal applicants on the Eligibility List prior to considering external candidates on the Eligibility List.
• The City of Ontario reserves the right, if necessary, to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications from applicants that meet the qualification guidelines below.
• Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

The Housing Services Department
The Housing Services Department is committed to fostering a strong and thriving community by ensuring that all residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Through a variety of program and initiatives, it assists individuals and families facing housing challenges, providing resources that promote long-term stability and financial security. By collaborating with local organizations, policymakers, and residents, the Department strives to create inclusive housing opportunities that enhance the overall quality of life in the community,

The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City's team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.

About
The City's vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the years to come. We welcome you to view the City of Ontario's 2025 State of the City video by clicking on the link below as well as the other links to learn more about the City:

State of the City
*The Ontario Plan
Smart Ontario
Downtown Ontario
The essential functions typically performed by the Homeless Services Manager include the following:*

• Develops, recommends and monitors policy in the area of homelessness.
• Participates in the development and implementation of, as well as manages projects, goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
• Conducts complex administrative research, studies, reports and surveys related to homelessness.
• Develops qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor, ensure, and evaluate programs and projects.
• Administers, monitors and oversees contract and grant compliance.
• Provides written analysis, evaluation and recommendations regarding homelessness programs and proposals.
• Coordinates homeless policy and long-term planning with other local government agencies, law enforcement, City staff and other community-based organizations; develops and maintains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepares and presents to City Council, commissions and civic or professional groups as requested.
• Plans, coordinates, directs and reviews the work of assigned staff and/or contractors.
• Meets with City staff to identify and resolve problems; coordinates with other departments to ensure cooperation in achieving goals and objectives.
• Responds to the general public and residents' concerns in a timely and courteous manner.
• Represents the City at various public forums as required to discuss homelessness and related topics.
• Researches and advises on implementation of evidence-based practices and measurable outcomes; analyzes and presents program data based on shared metrics including use of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Coordinated Entry System (CES) or other similar systems.
• Prepares and writes reports; writes and monitors grants.
• Develops meeting notices and outreach materials such as flyers and brochures.
• Assists in the coordination of the budget and performs related functions as required.
• May serve as Acting Housing Services Director as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration or a related field.

NOTE:
Proof of education must be provided by way of attachment to your online application or as an email attachment sent to the Hiring Agency Representative at, or before, time of the reference check process. Acceptable forms of proof include Unofficial Transcripts, Official Transcripts, Photos and/or Photocopies of Institutional Degree/Certifications. Failure to provide the required documentation at, or before, time of the reference check process will result in disqualification.

Experience
Five years of progressively responsible administrative management experience in homeless assistance services and programs, including contract management, and grant writing and administration, including lead or supervisory experience.

*Desirable*

• A Master's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.

*Licenses
Valid Class C California driver's license and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment.
How to Apply
Qualifications*
Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using , you will be prompted to create a new user account; otherwise, log in with your username and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following:

• List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position.
• List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario).
• Separately list each position held, including different positions with the same employer.

A resume may be attached to your application but will NOT substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.

NOTE:
Transcripts from colleges, universities or technical schools outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report will result in disqualification from the selection process.

Application Process
Applicants are required to submit required certification(s) or other required documentation as outlined in the Qualifications Guideline section of this bulletin. Please use the attachment function found on the City's online application to attach copies of the requested certification(s) or other documentation. Failure to attach required documentation may result in the rejection of your application. Please contact the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency if you have any questions regarding the application process.

Your application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Failure to complete these sections may result in the rejection of your application.

Supplemental Questions
To complete your application for this position, you may be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.

Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, partial information, or AI-generated responses may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.

Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.

Email Notices
Email is the primary way that the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the City of Ontario will come from "" or "" If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit and update your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.