Support Specialist

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

• Engage clients who are outside and may not yet feel comfortable using the Center or understand its purpose.
• Provide coaching, encouragement, and support to assist individuals who are in recovery in achieving their goals; and assist clients in connecting with services.
• 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.
• Aid in maintaining clients' Medical Assistance, SNAP and other enrollments.
• 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

• One or more years’ experience in successfully providing services to people facing housing crises
• Understanding of trauma-informed care
• 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
• Good verbal communication skills
• Good organizational and follow-through skills
• Ability to maintain focus on most important task, in the midst of competing demands
• Respects clients, sees each client as an individual, and is skilled in establishing rapport and trust with people who have diverse life experiences
• Able to learn the software and computer applications that are integral to the Engagement Center program
• Maintains the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, including maintaining client confidentiality and treating clients and staff with respect
• Willingness to adjust work schedule

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $41,000 - $46,000
• Benefits:
• 18 days of Paid Time Off
• 5 Sick Days
• Health Insurance Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Benefit Option Fund

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services-related field of study
• OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience which meets the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle, or other reliable form of transportation to locations around the county is required.