Summary

This is a professional position within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services that serves as the first contact for residents into the Allegheny County Continuum of Care. This position is responsible for providing information/assistance and flexible case management to individuals experiencing homelessness. The incumbent will serve as a liaison between these residents and the County's Coordinated Entry system for the CoC, and will maintain a presence in the community in places such as emergency shelters, day drop-in centers, homeless encampments, and other locations where people experiencing homelessness might also be in order to streamline their access to the services available to them. Due to the nature of the position, it will at times require evening and weekend hours. As this unit continues to grow and evolve, it is required of the incumbent that they possess a significant level of flexibility and a commitment to supporting the people served.

• Conducts the screening for the Coordinated Entry System and is an active participant in the referral process, ensuring people are supported as they move through it.
• Identifies immediate needs they have and assists with addressing those needs.
• Provides preliminary eligibility screening for all known publicly and privately funded programs in addition to the presenting need.
• Educates person on program options available to them, assists with application and referral when appropriate and conducts follow-up efforts to ensure the needs were met.
• When needed, empowers the persons served to advocate for themselves, and when appropriate, advocates on their behalf.
• Advocates on a system level to ensure timely access to services and supports for persons served and acts as a liaison between providers to ensure connections.
• Assists in and/or provides crisis intervention with follow-up, as well as appropriately implements mandated reporting policies and procedures.
• Documents interactions and services rendered.
• Supports the broader outreach and homeless services community of providers.
• Informs the larger system on positive outcomes, unmet community needs, and helps to shape best practices.
• Seeks innovative approaches to meet the unique needs of everyone served.
• Constantly strives to ensure that those who are otherwise not accessing the Coordinated Entry System via the established channels are able to access that system via the Field Unit.
• Works collaboratively with other providers toward the end of the most appropriate possible service delivery to those in need.
• Ability to conduct self-directed work as primary job duties are community based.

• A passion for ending homelessness.
• Embracing a "whatever it takes" attitude toward meeting the needs of people served.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of all local, state and federal health and human services programs with an emphasis on resources often utilized by people overcoming housing crises.
• Quickly establishes rapport and trust with persons served coming from incredibly diverse life experiences.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Builds positive partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Ability to learn and utilize web-based and PC software and email to develop reports and document services provided.
• Manges time and works well under pressure, while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Strong organizational skills, problem solving skills and judgement.
• An understanding of the principles of Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and Housing First, as well as experience in implementing services guided by these principles.
• Maintains professional boundaries and engagement skills with a population that can be challenging and in non-traditional work conditions.