Family Housing Solutions Specialist (Closes 11/30/26)
About The Position
The Housing Specialist supports families experiencing housing instability throughout Allegheny County. This mobile, community-based role works directly with families at DHS-funded locations, including Family Support Centers, and provides housing expertise, consultation, and direct support to program staff and participants. The specialist helps households address housing barriers through resource connections, housing searches, program navigation, and advocacy. The position is a primary resource on affordable housing options, landlord-tenant issues, eviction prevention, utility assistance, and homeless services. It also involves coordinating with DHS-funded programs and community partners to support housing stability and homelessness prevention. The employee would be employed by partner agency Community Family Advocates and work onsite at Allegheny County DHS.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Public Administration, or a related field.
- At least two years of experience in social services, case management, service coordination, housing services, or community-based human services work.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal housing resources.
- Understanding of rental and utility assistance programs.
- Familiarity with the homeless response system and housing stabilization services.
- Experience conducting affordable housing searches.
- Knowledge of tenant rights and landlord-tenant issues.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently in a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Commitment to strengths-based, person-centered service delivery.
- Proficiency with technology, web-based platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Act 33, Act 34, and FBI clearances.
- Valid driver's license, insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct assistance to individuals and families experiencing housing crises.
- Search for affordable housing and help participants identify housing opportunities.
- Assist participants with housing applications and required documentation.
- Help households become document-ready for housing opportunities and assistance programs.
- Connect households with rental assistance, utility arrears support, security deposits, and eviction prevention resources.
- Facilitate referrals to homeless services and housing stabilization programs.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on affordable housing options and eligibility requirements.
- Educate participants about tenant rights and responsibilities.
- Review lease agreements and explain key terms and obligations.
- Mediate landlord-tenant concerns when appropriate.
- Advocate for households and empower participants to self-advocate.
- Provide housing resource support to DHS-funded programs and their staff.
- Build and maintain partnerships with housing providers, community organizations, and service agencies.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and community events as a DHS housing resource specialist.
- Collaborate with providers to ensure coordinated, strengths-based support for participants.
- Maintain accurate records of services and supports provided.
- Use web-based systems and software to document activities and generate reports.
- Protect participant confidentiality and maintain professional standards.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
