Community Support Specialist - Housing Assistance Program

Community Support Specialist- Housing Assistance Programs

Job Classification: Pay Rate: $19.00 p/hr Shift: 8am-4pm

Non-Exempt

Position Overview The CSS works under the direction of the Program Manager to provide case management and supportive services to the participants of the housing program. The goal of the program is to assist participants in 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 case manager works independently towards these goals; however, they are expected to consult with the Program Manager as needed. Other duties include, but are not limited to: community building, consistent case noting, continued file upkeep, attendance and participation at staff meetings, assistance to the larger housing assistance programs of CHS, and performance of other administrative, financial, and programmatic duties pursuant to program guidelines and regulations. CHS uses the Housing First and Harm Reduction service delivery models, assisting clients with housing as the immediate need without requirements to abstain from any harmful behavior prior to being housed. Key Responsibilites

• Provide individual assessment of participant needs.

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

• Facilitate locating and securing safe and affordable housing for participants and build landlord connections in the community.

• Assist participants to develop greater independent living skills and provide tenancy education.

• Conduct home visits with participants in the community to ensure housing safety standards are being met and to provide case management services.

• Provide referral services to appropriate referral base, such as D&A, medical, MH, housing, vocational, educational, and family services, working to improve one’s knowledge of CHS and other provider programs for the benefit of our participants.

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

• Support participants to connect and utilize resources in their communities and build community linkages.

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

• Submit check requests as needed for participants’ rental subsidy.

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

• Attend staff meetings and training courses as scheduled.

• Communicate with the CHS staff, other service providers and landlord/building management as needed and appropriate regarding participant issues.

• Maintain open communication and work cooperatively with other CHS staff to establish and fulfill overall agency and program goals and objectives.

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

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

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

• A valid PA driver’s license and driving record acceptable to agency’s insurance review and pass internal driving test

• Ability to drive to various locations within Allegheny County to complete home visits

• 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. Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances, a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation are required.

Position Physical Demands:

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

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