Community Support Specialist - Housing Assistance Program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Community Human Services

Community Support Specialist- Housing Assistance Programs
Job Classification: Pay Rate: $19.00 p/hr Shift: 8am-4pm
Non-Exempt
Position OverviewThe 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.