Housing Solutions Specialist (Multiple Positions) (Closes 11/23/26)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services • Pittsburgh, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Solutions Specialist works in the Office of Community Services within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, as an employee of partner agency Community Family Advocates and onsite at Allegheny County DHS. The role supports people transitioning out of emergency shelters and homeless system housing programs, helps prevent homelessness, and supports households in maintaining housing when appropriate. Working across Continuum of Care (CoC) providers and using DHS data systems, the specialist identifies and assists eligible households through specialized housing navigation and support, with the goals of improving system flow, preserving homeless-system housing for people with the greatest need, and reducing the time households experience homelessness.

The position provides direct assistance to individuals using emergency shelter, experiencing unsheltered homelessness, or living in uninhabitable or untenable situations. It focuses on people who are not eligible for, unlikely to receive, or do not need longer-term Rapid Rehousing or Permanent Supportive Housing services. Support may include helping households become document ready, search and apply for housing, connect with potential income, employment, and health-insurance resources, and access services related to their housing crisis. The specialist also supports households in homeless-system housing programs who no longer need those programs’ support services to move to independent, safe, and stable permanent housing.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The employee may be assigned additional tasks and duties as required by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to social services, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal housing resources and how to access them.
• Understanding of the county homeless system and Continuum of Care (CoC) providers.
• Knowledge of local stabilization resources, including mediation, utility assistance, and rental assistance.
• Knowledge of affordable housing search strategies and processes.
• Knowledge of tenant rights, responsibilities, and lease review.
• Familiarity with navigating social service systems, benefits, and supports.
• Experience conducting eligibility screenings for housing programs.
• Ability to help clients become document ready, including obtaining identification, income verification, and applications.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with diverse populations.
• Ability to engage individuals in trauma-informed, person-centered ways.
• Advocacy skills, including advocating for clients and empowering clients to advocate for themselves.
• Ability to complete assessments related to homeless services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build partnerships across organizations and collaborate with CoC providers.
• Comfort participating in team meetings, trainings, and continuous-improvement discussions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a high-performing team.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage fast-paced work, maintain confidentiality, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to learn and use web-based tools, PC software, and reporting and documentation systems.
• Reliable transportation and ability to navigate community-based work.
• Act 33, 34, and FBI clearances.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of field work related to social services is preferred.
• Social Work and Mental Health experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide individuals with direct assistance to help resolve housing crises.
• Conduct preliminary eligibility screenings for publicly and privately funded programs in addition to assessing the presenting housing crisis.
• Serve as an expert on housing types, eligibility requirements, application processes, and recommended listing resources.
• Help households complete paperwork and become document ready for housing.
• Review leases and explain tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Complete assessments for homeless housing services and supports, as appropriate.
• Advocate on behalf of households when needed and help them advocate for themselves when appropriate.
• Engage individuals in ways that are comfortable for them.
• Approach housing-crisis resolution with a “do whatever it takes” attitude.
• Track supports provided.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and related events as a resource specialist representing DHS.
• Identify and communicate process and service improvement opportunities, including trends in need and service gaps.
• Perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time