Front Desk Specialist - Community Center Wood Street Commons at Community Human Services – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Front Desk Specialist
Wood Street Commons – Community and Social Center

Job Classification:
Non-Exempt Shift: Mon-Fri 8a-4p OR 8.30a-4.40p Rate: $19.00 p/hr

Position Overview

The Front Desk Specialist at Wood Street Commons advances the Mission and Values of Community Human Services (CHS) by building, fostering, and inspiring excellence in the Agency’s ability to serve individuals in the Community and Social Center at Wood Street Commons.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the programming related to CHS Wood Street Commons Community Engagement Center by being the first person to engage with community members as they enter the space
• Answer the Rhombus video phone and desk phone, buzz community members into the center
• Log daily Community Center attendance in databases
• Assist with answering CHS phone for CHS offices and coordinate with Community Support Specialists as needed
• Assist with sign-up sheets for activities and groups
• Set up coffee station and grab and go breakfast
• Assist with food pantry sign up forms and weekly food pantry distribution
• Assist with general office space organization, coordination of supplies, and cleanliness
• Empower individuals served at Community Engagement Center by developing a non-judgmental, empathetic relationship.
• Support Harm Reduction and Housing First principles
• Coordinate supply drop offs, organization, and distribution of donations as needed.
• Coordinate with WSC Leasing Agent and CHS Program staff regarding new move ins and completed program agreements and data forms

• Develop a professional relationship with participants of the program while maintaining and modeling appropriate personal boundaries.
• Attend staff meetings and training courses as scheduled.
• Collaborate with agency partners to support individuals served.
• Utilize Trauma Informed Care principles and de-escalation skills as needed
• Perform other duties as required.

Organizational Expectations

• Seek out up-to-date information about CHS’ 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’ promise to sustain and extend diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Contribute to efforts which build and reinforce CHS’ distinctive, effective, and ethical practices.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Through a combination of experience and education, the Front Desk Engagement Specialist for Wood Street Commons 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 plus three years of experience in the social service field are required. Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances.

Position Physical Demands

The Front Desk Engagement Specialist for Wood Street Commons 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.