Community Support Specialist - Shelters

Job Classification: Pay Rate: $19.00 p/hr Shift: PT Overnight Fri & Sat 10pm-6.00AM

Non-Exempt 

Position Overview 

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) advances the Mission and Values of CHS by building, fostering, and inspiring excellence in the Agency’s ability to:   

• Serve as the leading resource for homelessness support, information, and best practices and protocols in Southwestern Pennsylvania.   

• Provide exceptional and compassionate social support services.   

• Integrate the voice of consumers with program quality initiatives and services.   

• Collaborate with and act as a resource for other organizations, providers, and professionals locally and nationally.   

• Embrace and exhibit the highest ethical standards.   

• Maximize and monitor fiscal and other resources.   

• Build an environment which is safe, confidential, and welcoming.   

• Eliminate the devastating impact of stigma through cultural awareness and advocacy.   

As a direct care staff member, the CSS provides case management and supportive services under the direction of the Shelter Program Manager. The CSS also provides case management and assistance gaining needed services such as referrals to programs, assisting in applying for benefits/income, and accessing other resources which assist them in living in permanent housing and ending their episode of homelessness. The CSS works independently toward these goals; however, they are expected to consult with the Program Manager as needed. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support the programming in CHS Shelters by working directly with participants enrolled in shelter. 

• Empower individuals served in shelter by developing a nonjudgemental, empathetic relationship focused on obtaining housing and reaching participant goals. 

• Provide individual assessment of participant needs and conduct shelter program move-ins. 

• Facilitate locating and securing housing by completing housing pathway assessment, applications, and referrals for identified housing pathways. 

• Create goal plans with program participants and assist the individual in meeting their goals. This includes heavy emphasis on need for income, vital documents, affordable and safe housing, and other supportive services. 

• Meet with shelter program participants weekly to provide case management services focused on obtaining housing outside of the shelter. 

• Advocate for appropriate benefits and access to appropriate services with external providers. 

• Complete referrals and connect program participants to relevant community resources. 

• Complete case notes and files and maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with regulations. 

• Support harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered, and housing first principles. 

• Assist individuals in the shelter program with resource navigation, phone calls, and completing paperwork as needed. 

• Develop a professional and supportive relationship with participants of the program while maintaining and modeling appropriate boundaries. 

• Attend staff meetings and training courses as scheduled. 

• Collaborate with members of the CHS shelter team to support individuals served. 

• Establish professional relationships with external homeless services staff, including outreach teams, services coordinators, and housing program teams to collaborate and serve program participants. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Organizational Expectations  

• Seek out up-to-date information about CHS’s programs and services, as well as relevant local, regional, and national statistics that will inform and support our mission. 

• Improve job knowledge by remaining aware of new regulations and best practices; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations. 

• Embrace and exemplify organizational standards and guiding principles for processes, protocols, and utilization. 

• Commit to CHS’s promise to sustain and extend diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

• Contribute to efforts which build and reinforce CHS’s distinctive, effective, and ethical practices. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

Through a combination of experience and education, the Community Support Specialist will have: 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Exceptional customer service communication. 

• Cultural competence, being able to work effectively with all backgrounds. 

• Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations 

• Strong organizational, phone, and computer skills. 

• A working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience 

• A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• Strong ability to navigate the internet to familiarize and access various resources 

• Ability to work and travel independently. 

A high school diploma or equivalent, along with a combination of work, education, and life experiences as approved by the agency and funder is required. Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Fingerprint clearances required upon hire. Applicants must possess current Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications or be willing to obtain and maintain certifications upon hire. Preference for certifications or training in mental health and behavioral health education. 

Position Physical Demands

The CSS will be called upon to engage in physical activity related to general office work, including the capacity to lift to 15lbs and stand or sit for extended periods. Also, the ability to walk up and down steps and complete physical activity related to general household maintenance. 

*This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is not an employment contract. Our company reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.