Position: Community Support Specialist (Scattered Site Shelters) 

Non-exempt   $19.00 per hour   Mon- Fri      Flexible hours: 8am – 4pm

Location:  Beltzhoover, PA

PA Driver's License & vehicle required.

Mission 

CHS empowers individuals and families to live in stable housing, connect to community resources, build relationships, and access quality food. 

Values 

Advocacy, Equity, Quality, Respect, Relevance. 

Functional Definition/Summary:

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) reports to the Program Manager of Shelters and Supportive Services with ongoing mentoring and support in collaboration with the Team Lead.  The position is responsible for providing service coordination and supportive counseling to the participants utilizing our unique HAP Crisis Shelters project while acting as a subject matter expert to caseload.  This position’s primary responsibility is to support the participants with housing stabilization.  A strong CSS will understand that the sooner we can help participants into stable housing, the better chance we have at preventing any more trauma related to their impending crisis. 

The goal of our shelter programs is to provide all necessary support to help each participant find and maintain permanent housing .  The program will assist in transitioning from homelessness in to permanent housing, preventing homelessness while focusing on needed services such as referrals to programs, assisting in applying for entitlements/income, to support them in retaining permanent housing while receiving the treatment necessary to address their physical, mental and behavioral health needs.  CSS will work with other members of community Human Services and the outreach community workers to coordinate admissions. CSS will prepare rooms for new clients. CSS will perform exits when clients are terminated or successfully complete the program. CSS will keep accurate notes in the daily log book and update the census board as needed. CSS will monitor the property and perform routine room checks and client well-being checks while also cultivating professional relationships with these clients and directing them toward resources as requested. CSS will be understanding and compassionate of the homeless community while maintaining professional boundaries and monitoring community interactions. CSS will have some clerical duties such as keeping accurate records, filing termination paperwork with the county, and logging supply use for organization inventory. CSS will communicate with other staff members often to ensure all parties are up to date on property issues and client needs and issues. 

The CSS works independently towards these goals; however, s/he is expected to consult with the Program Manager as needed. Other duties include ongoing assessment of participant's needs, progress and goals; use of appropriate therapeutic motivational interventions; community building; progress documentation; continued maintenance and improvement of the program; 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 or receiving assistance. We help clients identify their own goals and support them to discover safer alternatives.

• Perform routine and random file monitoring to ensure data quality and all documentation is  accounted for. Work with fellow staff to correct any deficiencies.

• Manage Social Work interns working across multiple housing programs.

• Aid staff with crisis intervention, problem-solving with program participants, and providing strategies for therapeutic interventions to help clients achieve their goals.

• Work with Program Manager and to collect and report data, outcomes, areas for improvement, staff development, and funder reports.

• Attend weekly or monthly meetings with Program Manager, Crisis Team Leader and Chief Housing Officer to address staffing, programming, funding, and best practices.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities 

Through a combination of experience and education, the CSS will have: 

• 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. 

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

• 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. 

  Skills and Training

• Attend trainings to keep up with best practice service delivery models and philosophies

• Train staff on agency philosophy, service delivery models, agency data and technology, and program regulations and protocols

• Be the first point of contact to answer any questions regarding program rules, regulations, protocols and policies.

  Minimum Qualifications:

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 to 15lbs and stand or sit for extended periods. Also, the ability to walk up and down steps and physical activity related to cooking, cleaning, and 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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