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

• One or more years’ experience in successfully providing services to people facing housing crises
• 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…