Job Details
Summary
This professional service coordinator position sits within the Office Community Services for the
Allegheny County Department of Human Services. The Service Coordinator serves as the first
contact for community members to access the Allegheny County Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC).
This position is responsible for providing resource coordination and supportive advocacy to those
experiencing homelessness and/or in a housing crisis through eviction prevention work.
Position requires incumbent to be available to work 3 staggered work shifts between the hours of 8
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with shifts being rotated on a weekly basis. Communication
with individuals reaching out to the Allegheny Link is mainly over the phone when individuals call into
the Allegheny Link hotline. Assistance is also required to be provided to those individuals presenting
in person to the Human Services Building as well as emailing into the Allegheny Link.
This position is currently staffed within a formalized hybrid working model with remote work and in
office work within those rotating shifts. It is required and expected the Service Coordinators work in
office at least 2 days per week with the potential of an additional day when staffing requires it.
Service Coordinators are expected to be in office for staff meetings and other DHS meetings/trainings
as required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Required to meet with individuals and families in person at the Human Services Building to
work to support with services and supports to meet their needs
Required to respond to phone inquiries from individuals and families i to determine through
open conversation and informal needs assessments what immediate needs the clients
have and assists with addressing those needs
To engage with individuals, families, and professionals with dignity and respect and in a
way in which they are comfortable to ensure a positive and inclusive experience
o Seeks innovative approaches to meet the unique needs of those we support
Assists in and/or provides supportive listening and/or crisis intervention as individuals and
families present in varying levels of crisis (over the phone or in person)
To provide information and guidance on homeless and housing services and supports
o Obtaining HUD required Coordinated Entry data
o Completing the Allegheny Housing Assessment (AHA) in a collaborative
conversation with individuals and families
o Ensuring individuals and families are knowledgeable on how to move forward in
their housing plans
To provide preliminary eligibility screening for other publically and privately funded
programs in addition to the presenting needo To educate on program options available and next steps needed with planning for
success with those options
When needed, advocates on an individual's behalf and, when appropriate, assists
individual to empower themselves to advocate on their own behalf
Serves as an expert clearing house on resources and services
Advocates on a system level to ensure timely access to services and supports for
individuals and families and at times acts as a liaison between CoC providers to ensure
connections
Assists in and/or provides crisis intervention with follow-up (including, but not limited to
mandated child abuse and adult abuse reporting); appropriately implements mandated
reporting policies and procedures
Assists in completing benefit/program related paperwork
Provides follow-up for client contact as needed and appropriate
Maintains Allegheny Link IT Application with all client related activities
Participates in staff meetings, trainings and other related events as a resource specialist
representing DHS OCS
Identify and communicate opportunities to improve processes and services, including need
trends and gaps in service for continuous improvement
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. A majority of this work is required "in real time" while
assisting individuals and families.
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. Experience in implementing services guided by these principles in a plus
Strong ability to work independently as well as part of a high-performance team of
professionals with an office culture of cohesive teamwork and respect
Ability to efficiently manage time and work well under pressure of a fast-paced office
environment, while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct
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.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 clearances.