Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Description:

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Program Specialist at a Low Barrier Shelter plays a key role in coordinating and facilitating services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The specialist ensures a safe, supportive environment while providing clients access to essential services with minimal barriers. This role involves direct client engagement, service coordination, data management, and collaboration with community partners. The Program Specialist works with shelter staff to implement trauma-informed care and harm-reduction approaches, focusing on client stability and well-being.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Client Support and Engagement:

• Assist clients in accessing shelter services, including intake, referrals, and crisis intervention.
• Build trusting relationships with shelter residents while adhering to trauma-informed and harm-reduction principles.
• Provide information on community resources such as housing, healthcare, and employment assistance.
• Address client concerns and provide conflict resolution when necessary.

Collaboration and Partnership:

• Work closely with shelter staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure a coordinated response to client needs.
• Represent the shelter at community meetings and outreach events as needed.

Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution:

• Respond to client crises, de-escalating situations and coordinating emergency services when necessary.
• Assist in addressing conflicts among residents while promoting a safe and inclusive environment.

Compliance and Shelter Operations:

• Ensure shelter rules and guidelines are adhered to by clients while maintaining a low-barrier approach.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive shelter environment.
• Assist in conducting regular safety checks and monitoring facility security.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s in human services or related field or associate degree with 2 years’ experience or High School diploma with 4 years of job-related experience working with persons experiencing homelessness or mental illness in a residential setting.
• Act 33/34/73 clearances
• Pre-Employment Drug Screen
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and handle crises effectively.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS AND BENEFITS

Work Schedule: This is a Non-Exempt (hourly) position

Full Time 37.5 hours: 7a-3p (Sunday/Monday off) Work schedule may vary according to program need.

Great Benefit Package: (Benefits start Day 1 of employment); 403B with employer match; Paid Time Off (PTO); Medical, Dental, Vision’; Life Insurance; Paid Holiday Days’; Plus more………

ABOUT PITTSBURGH MERCY

We’re a community-based health and human services organization using person-centered care to treat our area’s most vulnerable populations. We work with families in settings that are safe and familiar to them, and view them as equal partners when planning, developing, and monitoring care.

Our mission is to be a compassionate, transforming presence within our communities. We reach out to offer help – and hope – to people who are experiencing: Mental illness and substance abuse; Physical health needs; Intellectual disabilities; Traumatic events or circumstances, including homelessness

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.