Housing Advocate Low Barrier Shelter

Trinity Health; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Mercy is seeking an HDRS Specialist to ensure welcoming, safe shelter environments and to document and report outcomes. The role focuses on de-escalation, being culturally humble, and connecting participants to housing and recovery services.

The position emphasizes relationship-based engagement, street outreach, drop-in centers, and low-barrier shelters as bridges to stable housing. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Master's in Human Services plus 1 year residential or crisis experience OR Bachelor's in Human Services plus 3 years homeless/behavioral health/residential/crisis services
• Act 33/34/73 clearances required
• Pre-Employment Drug Screen required

Responsibilities

• Housing Placement: Facilitate housing options by coordinating with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities
• Recovery Support: Provide individualized resources addressing underlying homelessness factors (substance use, mental health, trauma)
• Case Management: Perform assessments, develop personalized housing and recovery plans, monitor progress, refer to services as needed
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain up-to-date client records and prepare reports for funders and policies

Education

Master's in Human Services

Bachelor's in Human Services

Associate's in Mental Health

High School diploma with 8 years of related experience

Job description

Employment Type:Full timeShift:Description:

POSITION 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: Tuesday thru Saturday 3p-11p 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.