Family Housing Solutions Specialist (Closes 11/30/26)

If hired for this position, you would be an employee of our partner agency, Community Family Advocates working onsite at Allegheny County DHS.

Housing Specialist (Mobile)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS)
Location: Allegheny County, PA (Hybrid/Mobile Community-Based Position)

Make a Meaningful Impact

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a passionate and resourceful Housing Specialist to support individuals and families experiencing housing instability throughout Allegheny County.

In this unique mobile role, you will serve as a trusted housing resource and navigator, working directly with families and individuals at various DHS-funded community locations, including Family Support Centers and the Early Learning Resource Center. You will help households overcome housing barriers by connecting them to resources, providing housing search assistance, navigating available programs, and advocating on their behalf when needed.

This position is ideal for a professional who is knowledgeable about housing resources, enjoys building community partnerships, and is committed to helping families achieve and maintain housing stability.

Position Summary

The Housing Specialist supplements the capacity of DHS-funded programs by providing expertise, consultation, and direct support related to housing stability, homelessness prevention, and housing navigation. The Housing Specialist serves as the primary resource for program staff and participants seeking information about affordable housing options, landlord-tenant issues, eviction prevention resources, utility assistance programs, and homeless services.

The specialist will initially rotate among multiple community-based locations throughout Allegheny County, spending designated days at sites including the Early Learning Resource Center and Family Support Centers. Service locations and schedules may evolve based on community needs and program demand.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Navigation & Client Support

• Provide direct assistance to individuals and families experiencing housing crises.
• Conduct affordable housing searches and assist participants in identifying housing opportunities.
• Support participants with housing applications and required documentation.
• Help households become "document ready" for housing opportunities and assistance programs.
• Connect participants to available resources for rental assistance, utility arrears, security deposits, and eviction prevention.
• Facilitate referrals and linkages to homeless services and housing stabilization programs.

Advocacy & Education

• Serve as a subject matter expert on affordable housing options and eligibility requirements.
• Educate participants on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Review lease agreements and explain key terms and obligations.
• Mediate landlord-tenant concerns when appropriate.
• Advocate on behalf of households and empower participants to effectively self-advocate.

Community Partnership & Collaboration

• Serve as a housing resource to DHS-funded programs and their staff.
• Build and maintain partnerships with housing providers, community organizations, and service agencies.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and community events as a DHS housing resource specialist.
• Collaborate with providers to ensure participants receive coordinated, strengths-based support.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of services and supports provided.
• Utilize web-based systems and software to document activities and generate reports.
• Protect participant confidentiality and maintain professional standards.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Public Administration, or a related field required.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in:
  • Social services
  • Case management
  • Service coordination
  • Housing services
  • Community-based human services work

Knowledge & Skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal housing resources.
• Understanding of rental and utility assistance programs.
• Familiarity with the homeless response system and housing stabilization services.
• Experience conducting affordable housing searches.
• Knowledge of tenant rights and landlord-tenant issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Commitment to strengths-based, person-centered service delivery.
• Proficiency with technology, web-based platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.

Required Clearances & Certifications

• Act 33, Act 34, and FBI Clearances
• Valid driver's license, insurance and access to a reliable vehicle

Why Join DHS?

At DHS, we believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and help shape innovative solutions to complex human service issues.

Our work changes lives every day, and we are recognized as one of the leading human services systems in the country. We seek professionals who are compassionate, resourceful, and committed to making a difference for the individuals and families we serve.

If you are passionate about housing stability, community impact, and helping people navigate challenging circumstances, we encourage you to apply.

Join DHS and help connect families to the housing resources they need to build stronger, more stable futures.

“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 -M/F/V/D