Housing Advocate

Trinity Health; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401K with Employer Match

PTO

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Pittsburgh Mercy is seeking an HDRS Specialist to ensure welcoming, safe shelter environments and comprehensive documentation. The role emphasizes de-escalation, outreach in drop-in centers, and bridging clients to stable housing through collaborative efforts with housing authorities and service partners.

The position requires advanced human services education and field experience in homelessness or behavioral health.

Qualifications

• Master's in Human Services with 1 year residential or crisis experience OR Bachelor's in Human Services with 3 years homeless, behavioral health, residential and/or crisis services delivery OR Associate's in Mental Health with 4 years of related experience OR High School diploma with 8 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Housing placement: coordinate with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities to find suitable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness
• Recovery support: provide individualized resources to address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health, trauma
• Case management: assess client needs, develop personalized housing and recovery plans, monitor progress and referrals
• Documentation and reporting: maintain records and prepare reports as required by funding sources and policy

Skills

Case management

Crisis intervention

De-escalation techniques

Documentation

Education

Master's in Human Services

Bachelor's in Human Services

Associate's in Mental Health

High School diploma

Job description

Employment Type

Full time Shift:

Description

OSITION PURPOSE: This position will ensure the shelter and drop-in center are welcoming and safe environments, complete written documentation and data reporting, will employ de-escalation techniques in direct participant crises response and report incidents. The HDRS Specialist must recognize that relationships are central to engagement and understand that street outreach, drop-in centers and low barrier shelters are bridges to stable housing. To be successful in this position, he/she must demonstrate through action, best practices related to inclusivity and cultural humility as well of knowledge of social service safety net and housing programs that benefit people experiencing homelessness. Relationships are central to engagement and understand that street outreach, drop-in centers and low barrier shelters are bridges to stable housing.

What You Will Do

• Housing Placement: Facilitate the process of finding suitable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness, including coordinating with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities
• Recovery Support: Provide individualized support and resources to address the underlying issues contributing to homelessness, including substance abuse, mental health disorders, trauma, and other challenges
• Case Management: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify clients' needs and develop personalized housing and recovery plans. Monitor progress, provide ongoing support, and make referrals to additional services as needed
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, services provided, and outcomes achieved. Prepare reports and documentation as required by funding sources and organizational policies

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's in Human Services and 1 year of residential or crisis OR Bachelor's in Human Services and 3 years of homeless, behavioral health, residential and/or crisis services delivery OR an Associate's in Mental Health & 4 years as stated prior OR High School diploma & 8 years of job related clinical mental health experience is accepted.
• Act 33/34/73 clearances
• Pre-Employment Drug Screen

Position Highlights and Benefits

Work Schedule: This is a Non-Exempt (hourly) position

Full Time 37.5 hours: Saturday - Wednesday 7am-3pm Work schedule may vary according to program need.

Great Benefit Package: (Benefits start Day 1 of employment); 403B with employer match; Paid Time Off (PTO); Medical, Dental, Vision'; Life Insurance; Paid Holiday Days'; Plus more...........

About Pittsburgh Mercy

We're a community-based health and human services organization using person-centered care to treat our area's most vulnerable populations. We work with families in settings that are safe and familiar to them, and view them as equal partners when planning, developing, and monitoring care.

Our mission is to be a compassionate, transforming presence within our communities. We reach out to offer help - and hope - to people who are experiencing: Mental illness and substance abuse; Physical health needs; Intellectual disabilities; Traumatic events or circumstances, including homelessness

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.