Community Support Specialist

Job Classification:   Non-Exempt               Rate:  $19.00 p/hr

Position Overview 

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) provides direct care and supportive services in a respectful manner to participants in the CHS shelter, on the street, and community programs.  

The CSS is also expected to work with and communicate directly with other staff members supportively and cooperatively, complete required documentation, manage crisis situations, and attend required training programs. The CSS may also be required to assist with regular upkeep of the work site. The CSS is cross trained on all shelter and community programs and may work across all residential and community sites as needed.  CHS uses the Housing First and Harm Reduction service delivery models, assisting clients with housing as the immediate need without requirements to abstain from any harmful behavior prior to being housed. 

Mission 

CHS empowers individuals and families to live in stable housing, connect to community resources, build relationships, and access quality food. 

Values 

Advocacy, Equity, Quality, Respect, Relevance. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop a professional and therapeutic relationship with participants.  

• Maintain and model appropriate personal boundaries. 

• Provide supportive counseling to participants regarding their needs, interests, and goals.  

• Provide individuals with guidance regarding decision making.  Help individuals gain insight into attitudes and ways of behaving.  Monitor goal progress and evaluate outcomes. 

• Follow communication protocol and address complaints, behavioral problems, etc. promptly. 

• Address medical and psychiatric emergencies, including but not limited to 302 procedures, crisis management, de-escalation strategies, and other non-life-threatening emergencies with clients as needed in a calm and respectful manner. Implement appropriate county and program emergency procedures. Seek appropriate outside support when necessary. 

• Follow proper medication administration or assistance procedure including documentation  

• Complete required written documentation in a timely manner. This includes incidents reports, progress notes, goal record sheets, and other case record forms.  Ensure that progress notes include the individual behaviors, activities, goal progress, any changes, daily interactions, needs, strengths, etc. to provide a thorough overview and on-going log. 

• Complete data entry of information into the agency database and any funder-specific site for reporting purposes in a timely basis. 

• Understand and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with the agency and program policies and procedures. Identify appropriate procedures for various situations. 

• Maintain the physical site by assisting consumers or performing household duties and report any needed house-related repairs. Assist in cleaning the staff office and common spaces as needed. Ensure health and safety standards are met and maintained. Maintain an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in the office and common spaces. 

• Attend necessary trainings and professional development sessions to enhance agency-wide knowledge. Attend a minimum of 15 hours per calendar year of training. 

• Complete all job duties in accordance with the mission and values of CHS. 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities 

Through a combination of experience and education, the Residential Advisor will have: 

• Pre-employment physical and TB screening with results stating person is free from communicable disease, at hire and every two years thereafter. 

• Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances. 

• A valid PA driver’s license have driving record acceptable to agency’s insurance review, and pass internal driving test. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Exceptional customer service communication. 

• Cultural competence, being able to work effectively with all backgrounds. 

• Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations 

• Strong organizational, phone and computer skills. 

• A working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience. 

• A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• Strong ability to navigate the Internet to familiarize and access various resources. 

• Ability to work and travel independently. 

A high school diploma or equivalent, along with a combination of work, education and life experiences as approved by the agency and funder. Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances, a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation are required.  

Position Physical Demands: 

The CSS will be called upon to engage in physical activity related to general office work, including the capacity to lift to 15lbs and stand or sit for extended periods. Also, the ability to walk up and down steps and physical activity related to cooking, cleaning, and general household maintenance. 

*This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  It is not an employment contract. Our company reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time. 

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