Community Support Specialist - Shelters

Community Support Specialist—Shelters

Job Classification: Pay Rate: $19.00 p/hr Shift: PT Overnight Fri & Sat 10pm-6.00AM

Non-Exempt

Position Overview

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) advances the Mission and Values of CHS by building, fostering, and inspiring excellence in the Agency’s ability to:  

• Serve as the leading resource for homelessness support, information, and best practices and protocols in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  

• Provide exceptional and compassionate social support services.  

• Integrate the voice of consumers with program quality initiatives and services.  

• Collaborate with and act as a resource for other organizations, providers, and professionals locally and nationally.  

• Embrace and exhibit the highest ethical standards.  

• Maximize and monitor fiscal and other resources.  

• Build an environment which is safe, confidential, and welcoming.  

• Eliminate the devastating impact of stigma through cultural awareness and advocacy.  

As a direct care staff member, the CSS provides case management and supportive services under the direction of the Shelter Program Manager. 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.

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 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 of 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.

Organizational Expectations

• Seek out up-to-date information about CHS’s 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’s promise to sustain and extend diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Contribute to efforts which build and reinforce CHS’s distinctive, effective, and ethical practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Through a combination of experience and education, the Community Support…