ABOUT THE POSITION: The Program Assistant is responsible for engaging guests in a direct social service program. They create a safe and welcoming space to greet and engage with guests to determine appropriate supports. Time is divided among direct service, operations, and administrative responsibilities to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the program. The Assistant offers information and referrals in addition to distributing applicable supplies and services such as mail, hygiene items, laundry, food, etc. They provide problem solving and crisis interventions. The Assistant monitors the comings and goings of guests and follows safety/emergency procedures as necessary. This is a unionized position, represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Compass Day Services includes the Client Services Office (CSO), the Hygiene Center, and the Day Services Center. The Day Center offers comfort and stability to those in need. People can seek refuge, meals, and basic services, as well as connect with housing navigation support, case management, mental health counseling, and nursing services. The Hygiene Center offers individuals experiencing homelessness a place to use the restroom, take a hot shower, and do a load of laundry. The CSO provides free mail services for individuals who are housing insecure.
LOCATION: Pioneer Square Neighborhood (Seattle, WA)
REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm; with weekly staff meetings Thursday at 2pm
SALARY RANGE: $20.21 per hour (Level 1*)
- Level 2: 2.5% increase after a consecutive year of employment
FULL TIME BENEFITS INCLUDED: Unlimited Orca Transportation Pass, Medical/Prescription/Vision, Dental, $500 Health Flexible Spending Account 4 Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) & 11 Paid Holidays, Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
| Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time. The employee in this position must be able to read, write, and understand English.
Direct Services o Greet the public with respect and dignity, including guests, staff, volunteers, and donors. o Register and engage clients to assess needs providing immediate, appropriate information and referral. o Provide accurate, efficient, and friendly mail services in a fast paced, high-volume department. Assist with mail sorting and distribution. o Share information about applicable Compass services. o Mediate conflicts and model appropriate problem solving. o Provide de-escalation and crisis intervention to guests and refer to appropriate clinical services as needed. o Maintain necessary logs, records, and statistics with clear and accurate case notes of all significant interaction in client files. o Maintain supplies and work with management on appropriate inventory. o Ensure safety and security of guests and staff, enforcing program policies and agency rules. o Ensure the program facility remains clean and sanitized o Follow building safety and emergency procedures according to program and agency policies. o Contact appropriate staff for assistance, as needed, as well as 911, police, fire department, and other service agencies, when appropriate. |
| Hygiene Services
o Greet the public with respect and dignity, including guests, staff, volunteers, and donors. o Register and engage clients to assess needs providing immediate, appropriate information and referral. o Provide accurate, efficient, and friendly mail services in a fast paced, high-volume department. o Distribute supplies (towels, shampoo, soap, etc.) and monitor clients to ensure they have the supplies needed for personal hygiene. o Wash, dry, and fold laundry and guest shower towels, up to 50 loads per day. o Maintain necessary logs, records, and statistics with clear and accurate case notes of all significant interaction in client files. o Maintain supplies and work with management on appropriate inventory. o Ensure safety and security of guests and staff, enforcing program policies and agency rules. o Ensure the program facility remains clean and sanitized. o Follow building safety and emergency procedures according to program and agency policies. o Contact appropriate staff for assistance, as needed, as well as 911, police, fire department, and other service agencies, when appropriate. Leadership o Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. o Maintain a favorable working relationship with all other agency employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate. o Project a favorable image of the organization to promote its aims and objectives and foster and enhance public recognition and acceptance of all its areas of endeavor. o Perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established agency policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position. |
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
o Demonstrated knowledge of best practices of de-escalation, crisis intervention, stabilization, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.
o Demonstrated knowledge of local resources and services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
o Demonstrated ability to set and maintain boundaries in a professional manner.
o Ability to work in fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
o Ability to follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
o Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for participants from diverse backgrounds and identities.
o Ability to multi-task with attention to detail and follow through.
o Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative and cooperative manner, to problem solve for effective outcomes particularly without on-site supervision.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate effectively about technical problems and solutions.
o Manage difficult interpersonal situations effectively and know when to seek out support from your manager when needed.
o Model sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence.
o Promote a team environment that values, encourages, and supports differences.
- Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people, while valuing their differences.
o Sensitive to and able to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse economic circumstances, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientations, and develop awareness around the impact of intersectionality of these variables.
- Strong problem-solving skills are required to be successful in this role.
o Work independently and as part of a team, particularly to exercise sound decision making in the absence of supervision, with strong collaboration skills.
o Aptitude for learning new technology skills with Microsoft products and other internet-based software.
o Ability to learn new functions on office equi
Education & Experience
- A minimum of 1-year demonstrated customer service experience, required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet technologies, required.
- At least 1-year of work experience in a social/human service setting, desired.
- Awareness and/or training around issues of equity, intersectionality, and belonging.
- Current WA State Food Handlers Permit, desired (If not current, will be sponsored within 1-month of hire).
- Familiarity with topics of housing instability, mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and/or domestic/partner violence, desired. Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier, desired.
- Proficiency in Spanish and/or other languages, desired.
- Experience with Boston Post, Clarity, and Agency, desired.
- Work experience is a key factor for success in this role. In addition, success in this role requires a passion for knowledge and drive for continuing professional development or education. A degree in human/social services or related field would be a compliment to the required experience.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
o While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
o The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel/type, and reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds.
o Work takes place in a supportive housing environment where long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking to various work areas, going up and down stairs, and standing are required.
Mental efforts like attention to detail, interacting with others in-person and through email, using critical thinking skills to strategize, develop and implement business plans, create, and edit documents, listen, and participate verbally at meetings.
In compliance with the ADA Amendment Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department via phone at 206-474-1100 or via e-mail at HRInfo@compasshousingalliance.org.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is normal. Compass programs are housed within a human services environment in the Greater Seattle area. Our diverse client/guest/resident community includes many single, formerly homeless adults who lack any family support system. Compounding the constraints of poverty, our community includes individuals who are physically and/or mentally disabled, persons living with AIDS, those who struggle with chemical dependencies, veterans, and vulnerable, elderly adults. Working at Compass will mean that you will be near the people we serve.
This position is not eligible for remote work, it requires onsite work only.
Compass facilities are monitored with camera surveillance equipment for safety and security purposes. The cameras will generally be utilized only in public areas where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy.
