Community Support Specialist - Housing Assistance Program

Community Human Services Corp.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Human Services Corp. in Pittsburgh is seeking a Community Support Specialist—HAP to deliver direct client services and housing support under the HAP program.

The role focuses on assessing needs, connecting clients to benefits, and facilitating access to stable housing in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The position requires compassion, strong communication, and the ability to work independently and with a team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CCM (Comprehensive Crisis Management) certification preferred or willing to obtain.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certifications required or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual assessment of participant needs.
• Develop professional, supportive relationships with participants while maintaining boundaries.
• Facilitate locating and securing safe, affordable housing and build landlord connections.
• Assist participants with developing independent living skills and tenancy education.
• Conduct home visits to ensure housing safety standards and provide case management.
• Refer participants to community resources (D&A, medical, MH, housing, vocational, etc.).
• Advocate for benefits and access to services with external providers.
• Support participants in accessing community resources and building connections.
• Create goal plans and assist participants in achieving income, housing, and supportive service goals.
• Complete documentation and attend staff meetings and trainings.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Cultural competence

Crisis de-escalation

Organizational skills

Phone and computer skills

Social service knowledge

Independent and collaborative work

Internet navigation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CCM Certification

First Aid/CPR/AED certification

Job description

Community Support Specialist—HAP

Job Classification

Non-Exempt Pay Rate: $19.00 p/hr Shift: Mon-Fri 9.00am-4.30pm

Position Overview

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) advances the Mission and Values of CHS by building, fostering, and inspiring excellence in the Agency’s ability to:

• Serve as the leading resource for homelessness support, information, and best practices and protocols in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
• Provide exceptional and compassionate social support services.
• Integrate the voice of consumers with program quality initiatives and services.
• Collaborate with and act as a resource for other organizations, providers, and professionals locally and nationally.
• Embrace and exhibit the highest ethical standards.
• Maximize and monitor fiscal and other resources.
• Build an environment which is safe, confidential, and welcoming.
• Eliminate the devastating impact of stigma through cultural awareness and advocacy.

As a direct care staff member, the CSS provides case management and supportive services under the direction of the HAP Program Manager. The goal of these programs is to assist participants in gaining needed services such as referrals to programs, assistance with applying for benefits and income, and accessing other resources which assist them in living in permanent housing and ending their episode of homelessness. The CSS works independently toward these goals; however, they are expected to consult with the Program Manager as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual assessment of participant needs.
• Develop a professional and supportive relationship with participants of the program while maintaining and modeling appropriate personal boundaries.
• Facilitate locating and securing safe and affordable housing for participants and build landlord connections in the community.
• Assist participants with developing greater independent living skills and provide tenancy education.
• Conduct home visits with participants in the community to ensure housing safety standards are being met and to provide case management services.
• Provide referral services to appropriate referral base, such as D&A, medical, MH, housing, vocational, educational, and family services—working to improve one’s knowledge of CHS and other provider programs for the benefit of our participants.
• Advocate for appropriate benefits and access to appropriate services with external providers.
• Support participants in connecting and utilizing resources in their communities and building community linkages.
• Create goal plans with program participants and assist the individual in meeting their goals. This includes a heavy emphasis on the need for income, affordable and safe housing, and other supportive services.
• Submit check requests as needed for participants’ rental subsidy.
• Complete case notes and files and maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with regulations.
• Attend staff meetings and training courses as scheduled.
• Communicate with CHS staff, other service providers, and landlord/building management as needed and appropriate regarding participant issues.
• Maintain open communication and work cooperatively with other CHS staff to establish and fulfill overall agency and program goals and objectives.
• Support harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered, and housing first principles.

Organizational Expectations

• Seek out up-to-date information about CHS’s programs and services, as well as relevant local, regional, and national statistics that will inform and support our mission.
• Improve job knowledge by remaining aware of new regulations and best practices; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Embrace and exemplify organizational standards and guiding principles for processes, protocols, and utilization.
• Commit to CHS’s promise to sustain and extend diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Contribute to efforts which build and reinforce CHS’s distinctive, effective, and ethical practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Through a combination of experience and education, the Community Support Specialist will have:

• A valid PA driver's license and access to a vehicle.
• Ability to drive to various locations within Allegheny County to complete home visits.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional customer service communication.
• Cultural competence, being able to work effectively with all backgrounds.
• Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations.
• Strong organizational, phone, and computer skills.
• A working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience.
• A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong ability to navigate the internet to familiarize and access various resources.
• Ability to work and travel independently.

A high school diploma or equivalent, along with a combination of work, education, and life experiences as approved by the agency and funder is required. Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Fingerprint clearances required upon hire. Applicants must possess current Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications or be willing to obtain and maintain certifications upon hire.

Position Physical Demands

The CSS will be called upon to engage in physical activity related to general office work, including the capacity to lift to 15lbs and stand or sit for extended periods. Also, the ability to walk up and down steps and complete physical activity related to general household maintenance.

*This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is not an employment contract. Our company reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.