Community Support Specialist - Housing Assistance Program

Community Human Services•Pittsburgh, PA

23h

About The Position

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) advances CHS’s mission and values by providing compassionate social support, promoting safe and welcoming services, incorporating participant perspectives into program quality, collaborating with community organizations and providers, and upholding ethical standards, 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 role helps participants connect with referrals, benefits, income, and other resources to live in permanent housing and end homelessness. The CSS works independently toward these goals and consults the Program Manager as needed. The CSS assesses participant needs, develops supportive professional relationships, assists with locating affordable and safe housing, builds landlord connections, and supports independent living and tenancy skills. The role includes community home visits, referrals and advocacy, goal planning, rental subsidy check requests, accurate documentation, and coordination with CHS staff, providers, and property management. The CSS supports harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered approaches, and housing first principles. The position is non-exempt and pays $19.00 per hour. The listed schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The role requires travel to locations within Allegheny County for home visits and other community-based work.

Requirements

Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
Ability to drive to various locations within Allegheny County to conduct home visits.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Exceptional customer-service communication skills.
Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with people from all backgrounds.
Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations.
Strong organizational, telephone, and computer skills.
Working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience.
Willingness to work independently and collaboratively.
Strong ability to navigate the internet to locate and access resources.
Ability to work and travel independently.
High school diploma or equivalent, with a combination of work, education, and life experiences approved by the agency and funder.
Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Fingerprint clearances required upon hire.
Current Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications, or willingness to obtain and maintain them upon hire.
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds, stand or sit for extended periods, walk up and down steps, and perform physical activity related to general household maintenance.

Responsibilities

Assess individual participant needs.
Develop professional, supportive relationships with participants while maintaining appropriate personal boundaries.
Help participants locate and secure safe, affordable housing and build landlord connections in the community.
Help participants develop independent living skills and provide tenancy education.
Conduct community home visits to check housing safety standards and provide case management services.
Refer participants to appropriate services, including substance use, medical, mental health, housing, vocational, educational, and family services.
Advocate with external providers for appropriate benefits and access to services.
Help participants connect with and use community resources and build community linkages.
Create goal plans with participants and help them meet their goals, with emphasis on income, affordable and safe housing, and supportive services.
Submit check requests for participants’ rental subsidies as needed.
Complete case notes and files and maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with regulations.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and training courses.
Communicate with CHS staff, service providers, and landlord or building management as appropriate regarding participant issues.
Communicate openly and work cooperatively with CHS staff to establish and fulfill agency and program goals.
Support harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered, and housing first principles.
Keep current on CHS programs and services and relevant local, regional, and national statistics.
Maintain job knowledge by staying aware of regulations and best practices and participating in educational opportunities, professional reading, networks, and organizations.
Follow organizational standards and guiding principles for processes, protocols, and resource utilization.
Support CHS’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and contribute to effective and ethical organizational practices.