Community Support Specialist - Scattered Site Shelter

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, documentation, and collaboration with other staff members. The CSS is trained across various shelter and community programs and is expected to assist in maintaining the work site while adhering to the Housing First and Harm Reduction service delivery 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 in a timely manner.
• Understand and perform all duties in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Identify appropriate procedures for various situations.
• 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

• A bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional/life experience is required.
• At least one year in a social services organization is preferred but not required.
• Pre-employment physical and TB screening with results stating person is free from communicable disease, at hire and every two years thereafter.
• Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances are required.
• A valid PA driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in driving is preferred.
• Cultural competence to work effectively with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, phone, and computer skills.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities through training sessions.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork.