Housing & Behavioral Support Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

403B with employer match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Paid Holiday Days

Job summary

Pittsburgh Mercy Housing & Behavioral Health Support Specialist role focuses on fostering a safe, inclusive environment for shelter guests, especially those with severe mental illness. The position blends direct service with crisis management and administrative accountability to address homelessness and housing instability.

You will coordinate with mental health and housing providers, document accurately, and advocate for guests toward stable housing while upholding compassionate,

Qualifications

• Master's in human services with 1 year of residential or crisis experience.
• Bachelor's in human services with 3 years of homeless/behavioral health/crisis services delivery.
• Act 33/34/73 clearances and a pre-employment drug test.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Crisis Intervention: Provide timely and effective support during behavioral health emergencies.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate trust-based relationships with shelter guests.
• Service Coordination: Collaborate with mental health, primary care, and housing providers.
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records and adhere to guidelines.
• Advocacy and Support: Offer guidance to navigate mental health and housing systems.

Skills

Crisis management

Relationship building

Advocacy and support

Documentation

Education

Master's in human services with 1 year of residential or crisis

Bachelor's in human services with 3 years of homeless, behavioral health, residential and/or crisis services delivery

Associate's in Mental Health & 4 years of job related clinical mental health experience

High School diploma & 8 years of job related clinical mental health experience

Job description

Description:

Our Housing & Behavioral Health Support Specialist at Mercy of Care plays a vital role in fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for shelter guests, particularly those facing severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This position integrates direct service delivery, crisis management, and administrative accountability to address the complex challenges of homelessness, mental health, and housing instability.

Employment Type

Full time

Description:

Our Housing & Behavioral Health Support Specialist at Mercy of Care plays a vital role in fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for shelter guests, particularly those facing severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This position integrates direct service delivery, crisis management, and administrative accountability to address the complex challenges of homelessness, mental health, and housing instability.

Core Responsibilities

• Crisis Intervention: Provide timely and effective support during behavioral health emergencies, enabling guests to navigate challenges while maintaining program stability.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate meaningful, trust-based relationships with shelter guests to support their long-term well-being and successful transition to stable housing.
• Service Coordination: Collaborate with a diverse network of mental health, primary care, social service, and housing providers to deliver comprehensive and coordinated support.
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records, complete required documentation, and adhere to program guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Advocacy and Support: Offer individualized guidance to shelter guests, empowering them to navigate mental health and housing systems with empathy and professionalism.

Commitment to Excellence.

The HBHS Specialist is a cornerstone of MOC’s mission to serve individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion, professionalism, and evidence-based best practices. By combining direct care with strategic collaboration, the Specialist ensures shelter guests receive the resources and support they need to achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency.

Requirements

• 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. Depending on program regulations, an Associate's in Mental Health & 4 years or High School diploma & 8 years of job related clinical mental health experience is accepted.
• Act 33/34/73 clearances
• Pre-employment Drug Test

SCHEDULE

(non-exempt/hourly position)

Full Time 37.5 hours a week to include day/evening/weekends and holidays as scheduled according to the Program needs.

GREAT BENEFIT PACKAGE:

• 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 + abuse

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.