Community Support Specialist - HAP/ESG - Community Human Services

Community Support Specialist - HAP ESG/Highmark

Full Time

$ 19.00 Hourly Non-Exempt

Shift: Monday - Friday 9AM – 5:00PM    37.50 hrs. per week

FUNCTIONAL DEFINITION:     

The CSS works under the direction of the Director to provide service coordination and supportive counseling to the participants of the housing program.  The goal of the program is to assist participants in gaining needed services, such as referrals to programs, assisting in applying for entitlements/income, and accessing other resources that empower them to live in permanent housing and end their episode of homelessness. The case manager works independently towards these goals; however, they are expected to consult with the program director as needed. Other duties include, but are not limited to: community building, daily progress documentation, continued maintenance and improvement of the program, attendance and participation at staff meetings, assistance to the larger housing assistance programs of CHS, and performance of other administrative, financial, and programmatic duties pursuant to program guidelines and regulations.

RESPONSIBILITES/DUTIES:

Service Coordination-Participant Involvement

• Provide individual assessment of participant needs.  Assist the individual in meeting their goals. This includes a heavy emphasis on need for income, affordable and appropriate housing and other supportive services.
• Facilitate locating and securing housing and landlord relations, empowering clients to develop greater independent living skills. 
• Provide referral services to appropriate referral base, such as D&A, medical, MH, housing, vocational, educational and family services; working to improve one’s knowledge of CHS and other provider programs for the benefit of our clients.
• Establish a supportive relationship with participants to assist them in improving their understanding of themselves including basic issues like respect for differences, individual uniqueness, creating and maintaining relationships and values.
• Advocate for appropriate entitlements and access to appropriate services w/ agencies.
• Encourage and support clients to connect and utilize resources in their communities and build community linkages.

Service Coordination-Administrative Involvement

• Maintenance of progress notes in the CHS database and paper records.
• Paperwork process related to fiscal and the CHS database.
• Generates statistical and written reports as requested by her/his supervisor.

 Service Coordination-Programmatic Involvement

• Participate in scheduled CHS staff meetings and other related scheduled meetings.
• Communicate with the CHS staff, other service providers and landlord/building management as needed and appropriate regarding participant issues.
• Maintain open communication and work cooperatively with other CHS staff to establish and fulfill overall agency and program goals and objectives.
• Assist other homeless assistance staff, both management and program, as needed.
• Consult with the program director on strategies to improve the effectiveness of the programs, given agency and program mission and working practices.
• Network and cooperate with external agencies to access appropriate services for all participants of the program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree and 1-year experience in the social service field or 2-years case management/service coordination experience or combination of work or equivalent level of education and experience
2. Sound interpersonal and problem-solving skills
3. Sensitivity towards individuals and families in need of program services, especially those with behavioral, mental and physical health barriers
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills
5. Ability to set priorities and work autonomously
6. Ability to maintain professional boundaries
7. Ability to schedule and manage multiple job responsibilities efficiently and effectively

Benefits and Perks:

• Excellent Benefits Package (eligible after 30 working days):
  • Aetna Health Insurance (HMO or HDHP)
  • Guardian Dental Insurance
  • VSP Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) w/ match after 6 months
  • 90 probationary period 
• Company Paid - Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off - 20 days your first year, 24 days your second calendar year, in addition to 13 paid holidays.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement:

Community Human Services Corporation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, persons served, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and community.

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.