ABOUT THE POSITION: The Counselor is responsible for milieu management while engaging clients in a direct social service program. Time is divided among direct service, operations, and administrative responsibilities to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the program. Duties include client engagement, intake, assessment, advocacy, information and referral, problem solving and crisis intervention, in addition to meal preparation, laundry, and light janitorial assignments. This is a unionized position, represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Jan & Peter’s Place Women’s Shelter provides a safe and warm place to sleep each night for 40 female-identifying guests experiencing homelessness. Guests are served dinner and breakfast at the shelter and have access to case management and support services.
LOCATION: North Beacon Hill Neighborhood in Seattle, WA
REPORTS TO: Program Manager/Shift Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
SCHEDULE: Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm; with biweekly staff meetings Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm
SALARY RANGE: $20.21 per hour (Step 1*)
* Step 2: increase of 2.5% after 12 consecutive months 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.
Social Services
o Register and engage clients to assess needs providing immediate and appropriate information and referral.
o Engage clients in ongoing supportive relationships by displaying the qualities of warmth, empathy, and a client-centered approach.
o Provide meals, laundry, cleaning services in accordance with schedule and assignments.
o Mediate conflicts and provide de-escalation and crisis intervention; mediate conflicts and model appropriate problem solving 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.
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 of 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
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for participants from diverse backgrounds and identities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in de-escalation, crisis intervention and stabilization skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of local resources and services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
- Manage difficult interpersonal situations effectively and know when to seek out support from your manager when needed.
- Ability to follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
- Ability to work in fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
- Demonstrated ability to set and maintain boundaries in a professional manner.
- Ability to follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
- 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.
- Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people, while valuing their differences.
- Follow sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate effectively about technical problems and solutions.
- Strong problem-solving skills are required to be successful in this role.
- Aptitude for learning new technology skills with Microsoft products and other internet-based software.
- Ability to learn new functions on office equipment and devices (printer, scanner, projector, mailing machine, copier).
Education & Experience
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in customer service, required.
- At least 1 year of 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 violence. Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier, required.
- 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 complement 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 listen.
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 shelter 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.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Compass Housing Alliance maintains practices and policies that eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity and strives to ensure that applicants and employees are treated without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, gender identity, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, political ideology, sensory, physical or mental disability, caste status, the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability and all other groups protected by law. Compass’s policies and practices are intended to promote diversity and equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment, such as: recruitment, selection, compensation, hours of work, work schedules, benefits, training, retention, promotions, demotions, transfers, advertising, layoff, and termination. All employees of the agency are required to comply with the provisions of these policies. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
