Housing Solutions Specialist (Multiple Positions) (Closes 9/22)

This position sits in the Office of Community Services within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. The goal of the Housing Specialist is to support people in their successful transitions out of emergency shelters and homeless system housing programs, while also working with households to prevent episodes of homelessness and maintain housing when appropriate.

The role will work across the array of Continuum of Care (CoC) providers, leveraging relationships with those providers and the robust DHS data systems to identify and serve eligible households. Through specialized housing navigation and support, this position will improve system flow, conserve homeless system housing units for those with the greatest need, and reduce the length of time households experience homelessness.

The Housing Specialist will provide direct assistance to individuals utilizing emergency shelter, experiencing unsheltered homelessness, and/or residing in unhabitable or untenable situations, with a focus on those who are not eligible for, not likely to receive, or not in need of longer-term housing (Rapid Rehousing/Permanent Supportive Housing) services within the homeless system.

Responsibilities

• Provides individuals with direct assistance to help resolve housing crises.
• Conducts preliminary eligibility screenings for publicly and privately funded programs in addition to addressing the presenting housing crisis.
• Serves as an expert on different types of housing, including requirements, application processes, and recommended resources for listings.
• Assists households with completing paperwork and becoming "document ready" for housing.
• Acts as a resource for reviewing leases and explaining tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Completes assessments, as appropriate, for homeless housing services and supports.
• Advocates on behalf of households when needed and empowers them to advocate for themselves.
• Engages individuals in a way that respects their comfort and embraces a "do whatever it takes" attitude.
• Tracks supports provided and documents services.
• Participates in team meetings, trainings, and related events as a resource specialist representing DHS.
• Identifies and communicates opportunities to improve processes and services, including need trends and gaps in service for continuous improvement.
• Performs additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal housing resources and how to access them.
• Knowledge of local resources to help stabilize housing situations, such as mediation, utility, and rental assistance programs.
• Knowledge of the county’s homeless system and experience conducting searches for affordable housing.
• Knowledge of tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills in a direct service environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build partnerships and collaborate positively with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Ability to learn and utilize web-based and PC software, including email, to develop reports and document services.
• Strong ability to work independently as well as part of a high-performance team in a cohesive, respectful office culture.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and work well under pressure in a fast-paced office environment and various community settings while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and judgment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in culturally diverse settings with diverse populations.
• Consistent access to reliable transportation with the ability to navigate in the community for work-related assignments.
• Act 33, 34, and FBI clearances required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a field of study related to social services.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to social services with at least two (2) years of field work related to social services.
• OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

About the Organization

DHS is a diverse organization striving to be even more inclusive, with a focus on equity in hiring, advancement, and unleashing the creativity of staff at every level. The department values strong, assertive leaders and does not hire "yes-people." Employees can make a big impact here, as DHS is recognized as one of the best human services organizations in the country. The organization seeks problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders to ensure smart use of funding to help those most in need.