Program Counselor

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Description:

The Program Counselor plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. This position is centered on managing daily shelter operations, building meaningful connections with guests, and linking them to essential resources that support their transition to stable housing.

With a strong foundation in cultural humility, professionalism, and crisis response, the Program Counselor responds to the diverse and complex needs of shelter guests with empathy and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Shelter Operations: Ensure a safe and welcoming shelter environment by responding to guest needs, de-escalating conflicts, and upholding program policies.
• Engagement & Trust-Building: Cultivate respectful and trusting relationships to support guests in their journey toward stability and housing.
• Resource Coordination: Connect guests to vital services including housing programs, street outreach, medical care, and other components of the social safety net.
• Equity & Inclusion: Foster an inclusive space through culturally responsive practices and sensitivity to each guest's lived experience.
• Crisis Intervention: Respond to emergencies and challenging situations with effective problem-solving and trauma-informed approaches.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's in Human Services or related field, or High School Graduate with 4 years of job-related experience working with persons experiencing homelessness or behavioral health needs. May have lived in experience as a peer. Must have or gain Certification as a Peer Specialist.
• Act 33/34/73 clearances
• Pre-employment Drug Test

SCHEDULE:

Full Time 37.5 hours a week Sunday - Thursday 7am-3pm

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 + abuse

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.