Acts as the first point of contact for residents experiencing homelessness to provide information, assistance, and flexible case management. Serves as a liaison between residents and the Coordinated Entry system while maintaining a presence in community locations like shelters and encampments.
If hired for this position, you would be an employee of our partner agency, Community Family Advocates working onsite at Allegheny County DHS.
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.
Essential
Duties and Responsibilities
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.
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
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. 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.
Education/Experience Requirements
Master’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- Bachelor’s Degree in a field of study related to social services with at least four (4) 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 and 34 clearances. Valid Driver's License and insurance and access to a reliable vehicle
Why DHS? DHS is diverse, but we strive to be even more inclusive. This includes equity in hiring and advancement, as well as in unleashing the creativity and ideas of staff at every level of DHS. It has strong, assertive leaders. We do not hire yes-people. You can make a big impact here. We stand out as one of the best human services organizations in the country. But we need problem-solvers, innovators, and terrific leaders to make sure we are smart in how we use our funding so that we reach the people who most need our help to make their lives better. “DHS strives to be the kind of place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come to grow and do their best work.”
From the organization’s statement on Equity and Inclusion AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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Market context
Field service coordination in Pennsylvania
Field Service Coordinator roles in Pennsylvania often draw candidates with social services experience and the ability to manage schedules, client needs, and field logistics. This role is competitive because the stated requirements are specific: a master’s degree with 2 years of social services field experience or a bachelor’s degree with 4 years of experience, plus Act 33 and 34 clearances, a valid driver’s license, and reliable vehicle access. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, and confirm your clearances and transportation details before applying.
