Job Description

Housing Specialist

Department: Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Division: Office of Community Services

Location: Human Services Building/Mobile

The goal of the mobile Housing Specialist is to supplement the capacity of Office of Community Services’ funded programs (e.g. Family Support Centers; Early Learning Resource Center) to address the housing needs and concerns of families and individuals. The Housing Specialist will serve as the "go to" source of information on affordable housing and homeless prevention for program staff to better serve households in crises. The Housing Specialist will also provide direct assistance to participants at the program location. The types of assistance include, but are not limited to: housing search, landlord mediation, housing applications, connection to potential resources for eviction prevention and utility arrears, and linkage to homeless services.

This is a professional position within Allegheny County Department of Human Services that serves as a housing resource navigator to individuals and families that receive services at various programs around the County. The initial plan is to co-locate at a different program each day per week, including the Early Learning Resource Center and a range of Family Support Centers. As demand for the service is established, the exact locations and schedule will adjust.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as an information clearinghouse to households from a variety of approved referral sources on resources for those facing a housing crisis (e.g. assistance with utilities, arrears, security deposits, landlord mediation, etc.)
• Provide families and individuals with direct assistance to help resolve housing crises.
• Be an expert on the different types of housing available, the requirements for each, the process for applying, and recommended resources for listings.
• Engage families and individuals in a way in which they are comfortable.
• Assist households with completing paperwork and becoming 'document ready' for housing.
• Be a resource for reviewing leases and explaining tenant rights and responsibilities.
• When needed, advocate on the household’s behalf and when appropriate assist the household to empower itself to advocate on its own behalf.
• Responsible for tracking supports provided
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings and other related events as a resource specialist representing DHS
• Embrace a “do whatever it takes” attitude.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Responsibilities

• From time to time the employee will be required to perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state and federal housing resources and how to access them.
• Knowledge of local resources to help stabilize housing situations such as utility and rental assistance programs.
• Knowledge of the county’s homeless system.
• Experience conducting searches for affordable housing.
• Knowledge of tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills in a direct service environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to build partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organizations
• Ability to work collaboratively with providers to address families’ needs and to maintain a strengths-based practice.
• Ability to work in a changing environment that may include some ambiguity.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and work well under pressure, while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Strong organizational skills, problem solving skills and judgement.
• Ability to learn and utilize web-based and PC software and email to develop reports and document services provided.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law.

Education/Experience Requirements

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’ experience of field work related to social services.

-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.

-AND-

Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.