Community Support Specialist - Lawn St. Shelter in Oakland, Pennsylvania at Community Human Services

Community Support Specialist—Shelters
Job Classification:
Non-Exempt Pay Rate: $19.00 p/hr Shift: Mon-Fri 11a-7p
Position Overview
The Community Support Specialist (CSS) works under the direction of the Program Manager to provide case management and supportive services to the participants of the shelter location. The goal of the program is to assist participants in obtaining stable housing outside of the shelter. The CSS also provides case management and assistance 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 CSS works independently toward 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 in staff meetings, assistance to the large shelter 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 participants with housing as the immediate need without requirements to abstain from any harmful behavior prior to being housed.

Key Responsibilities
• Support the programming in CHS Shelters by working directly with participants enrolled in shelter.
• Empower individuals served in shelter by developing a nonjudgemental, empathetic relationship focused on obtaining housing and reaching participant goals.
• Provide individual assessment of participant needs and conduct shelter program move-ins.
• Facilitate locating and securing housing by completing housing pathway assessment, applications, and referrals for identified housing pathways.
• Create goal plans with program participants and assist the individual in meeting their goals. This includes a heavy emphasis on need for income, vital documents, affordable and safe housing, and other supportive services.
• Meet with shelter program participants weekly to provide case management services focused on obtaining housing outside of the shelter.
• Advocate for appropriate benefits and access to appropriate services with external providers.
• Complete referrals and connect program participants to relevant community resources.
• Complete case notes and files and maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with regulations.
• Support harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered, and housing first principles.
• Assist individuals in the shelter program with resource navigation, phone calls, and completing paperwork as needed.
• Develop a professional and supportive relationship with participants of the program while maintaining and modeling appropriate boundaries.
• Attend staff meetings and training courses as scheduled.
• Collaborate with members the CHS shelter team to support individuals served.
* Establish professional relationships with external homeless services staff, including outreach teams, services coordinators, and housing program teams to collaborate and serve program participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Through a combination of experience and education, the Community Support Specialist 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, along with a combination of work, education, and life experiences as approved by the agency and funder is required. Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Fingerprint clearances required upon hire. Applicants must possess current Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications or be willing to obtain and maintain certifications upon hire. Preference for certifications or training in mental health and behavioral health education.

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 complete 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.