Community Support Specialist - Shelters

Community Human Services • Oakland, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The CSS provides exceptional and compassionate social support services, integrates the voice of consumers with program quality initiatives and services, and collaborates with and acts as a resource for other organizations, providers, and professionals locally and nationally. The role embraces and exhibits the highest ethical standards, maximizes and monitors fiscal and other resources, and builds an environment which is safe, confidential, and welcoming. The CSS also works to 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 Shelter Program Manager. The CSS also provides case management and assistance gaining needed services such as referrals to programs, assisting in applying for benefits/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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for certifications or training in mental health and behavioral health education.

Responsibilities

• Support the programming in CHS Shelters by working directly with participants enrolled in shelter.
• Empower individuals served in shelter by developing a nonjudgemental, empathetic relationship focused on obtaining housing and reaching participant goals.
• Provide individual assessment of participant needs and conduct shelter program move-ins.
• Facilitate locating and securing housing by completing housing pathway assessment, applications, and referrals for identified housing pathways.
• Create goal plans with program participants and assist the individual in meeting their goals. This includes heavy emphasis on need for income, vital documents, affordable and safe housing, and other supportive services.
• Meet with shelter program participants weekly to provide case management services focused on obtaining housing outside of the shelter.
• Advocate for appropriate benefits and access to appropriate services with external providers.
• Complete referrals and connect program participants to relevant community resources.
• Complete case notes and files and maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with regulations.
• Support harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered, and housing first principles.
• Assist individuals in the shelter program with resource navigation, phone calls, and completing paperwork as needed.
• Develop a professional and supportive relationship with participants of the program while maintaining and modeling appropriate boundaries.
• Attend staff meetings and training courses as scheduled.
• Collaborate with members of the CHS shelter team to support individuals served.
• Establish professional relationships with external homeless services staff, including outreach teams, services coordinators, and housing program teams to collaborate and serve program participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED