Community Human Services - Pittsburgh, PA

posted 4 months ago

Full-time - Entry Level
Pittsburgh, PA
Hospitals

About the position

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) for the Housing Assistance Program plays a crucial role in providing service coordination and supportive counseling to participants of the housing program. This full-time position, which operates under the direction of the Director, is designed to assist individuals in accessing necessary services that empower them to secure permanent housing and end their episodes of homelessness. The CSS is responsible for conducting individual assessments to identify participant needs and helping them achieve their goals, with a strong focus on income generation, affordable housing, and other supportive services. This role requires the CSS to facilitate the process of locating and securing housing, as well as fostering positive landlord relations, thereby empowering clients to develop greater independent living skills. In addition to direct service coordination, the CSS is expected to maintain thorough documentation of daily progress and participate actively in staff meetings. The role also involves assisting with the overall maintenance and improvement of the housing program, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and regulations. The CSS will work independently but is encouraged to consult with the program director as needed to enhance the effectiveness of the services provided. This position is integral to building community linkages and advocating for participants to access appropriate entitlements and services from various agencies. The CSS will also engage in administrative tasks, including maintaining progress notes in the CHS database, processing paperwork related to fiscal matters, and generating reports as required by supervisors. Networking with external agencies to ensure comprehensive service delivery for all participants is also a key responsibility of this role.

Responsibilities

  • Provide individual assessment of participant needs.
  • Assist individuals in meeting their goals, focusing on income, affordable housing, and supportive services.
  • Facilitate locating and securing housing and landlord relations.
  • Empower clients to develop greater independent living skills.
  • Provide referral services to appropriate programs such as D&A, medical, MH, housing, vocational, educational, and family services.
  • Establish supportive relationships with participants to enhance their self-understanding and respect for differences.
  • Advocate for appropriate entitlements and access to services with agencies.
  • Encourage clients to connect with community resources and build linkages.
  • Maintain progress notes in the CHS database and paper records.
  • Process paperwork related to fiscal matters and the CHS database.
  • Generate statistical and written reports as requested by supervisors.
  • Participate in scheduled CHS staff meetings and other related meetings.
  • Communicate with CHS staff, service providers, and landlord/building management regarding participant issues.
  • Maintain open communication and cooperate with other CHS staff to fulfill agency and program goals.
  • Assist other homeless assistance staff as needed.
  • Consult with the program director on strategies to improve program effectiveness.
  • Network with external agencies to access appropriate services for participants.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree and 1-year experience in the social service field or 2-years case management/service coordination experience, or a combination of work or equivalent education and experience.
  • Sound interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Sensitivity towards individuals and families in need of program services, especially those with behavioral, mental, and physical health barriers.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to set priorities and work autonomously.
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
  • Ability to schedule and manage multiple job responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

Benefits

  • Disability insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Life insurance
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