Community Services Planning Specialist

Overview

The City of Puyallup Emergency Management is hiring for a temporary Community Services Planning Specialist. The anticipated duration is late February through June, 2026. The position is a 20-hour per week, non-benefit position. The work schedule will be within typically normal business hours and may occasionally require evening or weekend hours.

It is impactful to join Team Puyallup and provide meaningful work in support of public service and the well being of our community. We value our culture of demonstrating excellence in our work, being service focused, supporting collaboration, and having integrity in all that we do. We encourage those that share these values to apply to our open positions and/or forward to colleagues who may be ready for their next career advancement opportunity.

This high-level professional will perform a variety of duties and activities in support of long-term planning, specific to vulnerable populations.

This is a temporary position with the purpose of providing work in the planning, development and evaluation of community service programs for the City of Puyallup and surrounding region. Incumbent will be responsible for recommending, developing and implementing policy and program plans. Incumbent will foster relationships amongst regional jurisdictions, service agencies, citizen groups and other organizations involved in the planning process.

Reports to the Emergency Management Manager.

• Implement and monitor a plan for City/regional human services delivery.
• Facilitate planning committees and public hearings/forums as appropriate. Coordinate citizen groups, service agencies, service providers, elected officials, and other organizations involved in the planning process.
• Serve as the city liaison with hotel management and community service providers in support of hotel occupants.
• Work collaboratively with the Police Department community liaison as the city’s outreach team, interacting with current and potential hotel occupants.
• Assist in budget and grant preparation, writing, monitoring and evaluation.
• Prepare special studies, reports, and statistical information.
• Interpret complex or detailed federal or state regulations to ensure program compliance.
• Represent the City (and partners) at meetings including regional, County and State work groups related to the assigned program areas.

• Principles and practices of community service planning, coordination, contracting, budget and grant preparation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Human Services Case management including knowledge of participant case files, case notes, strength-based case management and advocacy.
• Local resources and how to provide appropriate referrals to address barriers to stable housing and employment.
• Coordinating with multiple service providers and agencies to coordinate care.
• Applicable federal, State and local laws, local and regional jurisdiction codes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Public administration and community education.
• Pierce County Homeless Crisis Response System.
• Social/human services needs, programs and resources.
• Legislative issues impacting social services related programs.
• Complaint investigation and conflict resolution procedures.

• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine a proper course of action; use appropriate independent judgement to make decisions of a technical nature in support of City goals and objectives.
• Prepare special studies, reports, and statistical information.
• Develop project and contract budgets.
• Apply federal and state laws and regulations within the scope of this work.
• Interpret, develop and implement policies and guidelines for community service providers.
• Lead meetings, facilitate work groups and represent department/agency management and leadership.
• Provide consultation, direction and monitoring of a variety of people and agencies.
• Develop and implement grants, projects and programs.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Work effectively and productively with others.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to audiences of various social, cultural, ethnic, educational and economic backgrounds, and give public presentations.
• Effectively coordinate, perform and complete multiple duties and assignments concurrently and in a timely manner, and maintain confidentiality.
• Use and operate a personal computer, job-related computer programs such as Word, Excel, and Power Point, and other office equipment.
• Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Meet the travel requirements of the position, if any.
• Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

A Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, social work or emergency management, or a related field, and three years of professional social services work experience which includes work with related programs, contracts, planning or services required; or a combination of education,…