Community Support Specialist - CHRS Housing Program

$39,520 - $39,520/Yr

Community Human Services - Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Pittsburgh, PA

Hospitals

About the position

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) plays a vital role in providing direct care and supportive services to participants in the CHS shelter and community programs. This position emphasizes respectful interaction with clients, crisis management, and collaboration with other staff members. The CSS is trained across various shelter and community programs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to client support, particularly through the Housing First and Harm Reduction models.

Responsibilities

• Develop a professional and therapeutic relationship with participants.
• Maintain and model appropriate personal boundaries.
• Provide supportive counseling to participants regarding their needs, interests, and goals.
• Provide individuals with guidance regarding decision making.
• Help individuals gain insight into attitudes and ways of behaving.
• Monitor goal progress and evaluate outcomes.
• Follow communication protocol and address complaints, behavioral problems, etc. promptly.
• Address medical and psychiatric emergencies, including crisis management and de-escalation strategies.
• Implement appropriate county and program emergency procedures.
• Seek appropriate outside support when necessary.
• Follow proper medication administration or assistance procedure including documentation.
• Complete required written documentation in a timely manner, including incident reports and progress notes.
• Ensure that progress notes provide a thorough overview of individual behaviors and needs.
• Complete data entry of information into the agency database and funder-specific sites.
• Understand and perform all duties in accordance with agency and program policies and procedures.
• Maintain the physical site by assisting consumers or performing household duties.
• Assist in cleaning the staff office and common spaces as needed.
• Ensure health and safety standards are met and maintained.
• Maintain an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in the office and common spaces.
• Attend necessary trainings and professional development sessions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid PA driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional customer service communication skills.
• Cultural competence to work effectively with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations.
• Strong organizational, phone, and computer skills.
• Working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to navigate the Internet to access various resources.