Support Specialist

Support Specialist Part time employment for this role is possible. Background Allegheny County and CFA are building a team at the Engagement Center in downtown Pittsburgh that will help adults move from homelessness to housing and advance in the other goals that matter to them. The Engagement Center is a low-barrier, welcoming place for adults to get the services and advocacy they need—and where they can come inside, get a shower, socialize and "just be." Some of the clients who come into the Center may be unsheltered while others will be connected to emergency shelter, including the shelter in the building. The building also is home to a health clinic and a behavioral health residential program. It also will be a place for community providers to meet their clients and a hub for crucial information. Summary of Role The Support Specialist is a key member of the Center team, responsible for welcoming, engaging and orienting clients, helping them meet their immediate needs (e.g., showers, laundry, mail and support in finding food, clothing, shelter), and connecting them to other services. The Specialist makes sure the environment is positive and that clients feel seen and supported. Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone with the skills and knowledge to truly assist clients and who understands what they are having to deal with. This person is consistently patient, caring, and respectful. They also work well as part of a team that generates great ideas and solves problems, together. Responsibilities The Support Specialist engages clients and helps them meet their basic needs. They also connect them with resources, habilitative activities, and care. Their responsibilities include: Center environment Help maintain a warm, welcoming and organized environment so clients feel safe and want to come to the Engagement Center; engage clients who are outside and may not yet feel comfortable using the Center or understand its purpose. Support Provide coaching, encouragement, and support to assist individuals who are in recovery in achieving their goals; and assist clients in connecting with services. Basic needs Organize basic needs for clients by coordinating showers, laundry, and other basic services in a habilitative way; and provide support in finding food, clothing, and shelter. Assist in maintaining clients' Medical Assistance, SNAP and other enrollments. Teamwork Coordinate work with the other Engagement Center staff and providers; share information that benefits clients and reduces the time it takes for them to get housing and meet other goals; and raise opportunities/ideas and solve problems with other team members, to continue to improve the quality of the Engagement Center Skills and experience Preferred Understanding of trauma-informed care. Skill in using Motivational Interviewing or willingness to learn and apply this skill Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with other professionals. Proficiency in documentation skills and adherence to confidentiality standards. If eligible, has earned or is on track to attaining the Certified Recovery Specialist or Certified Family Recovery Specialist credential within six months of hire. If eligible, has earned or is on track to attaining Community Health Worker (CHW) certification Working knowledge of human services and public benefit programs in Allegheny County Good written and verbal communications skills Skill in building partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organizations Approachable, flexible, organized and ready to solve problems Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment Ability to work independently Minimum: Good verbal communication skills Good organizational and follow-through skills Ability to maintain focus on most important task, in the midst of competing demands One year or more of experience in successfully providing services to people facing housing crises. Knowledge about the resources that are available to people who are experiencing crises, including homelessness. Can, in response to client scenarios, identify action steps and specific resources they would recommend to the client. Respects clients, sees each client as an individual, and is skilled in establishing rapport and trust with people who have diverse life experiences. Able to learn the software and computer applications that are integral to the Engagement Center program. Maintains the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, including maintaining client confidentiality and treating clients and staff with respect. Willingness to adjust work schedule. Educational Requirements Bachelor's degree in a Human Services-related field of study -OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances. -AND Valid driver's license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle, or other reliable form of transportation to locations around the county is required. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law. Salary and Benefits Salary range: $41,000 - $46,000 Benefits: 18 days of Paid Time Off 5 Sick Days Health Insurance Coverage Dental Coverage Vision Coverage Life Insurance Short Term/Long Term Disability Employee Assistance Program Benefit Option Fund Community Family Advocates