Engagement Specialist I

CCSWW • Seattle, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Housing Services (CHS) develops, owns, and manages affordable housing programs for low-income families and individuals, including supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness. The Josephinum is a 221-unit historic building in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood that provides studio and one-bedroom apartments and supportive services to formerly homeless residents. The Engagement Specialist I works onsite, providing direct client support, crisis intervention, advocacy, intake, assessment, and coordination with social service professionals. The role also supports the safe and orderly operation of the building, including front desk coverage, security, activities, meals, volunteer supervision, documentation, and facility upkeep. The schedule is Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 PM to 7:30 AM. This is a full-time, 40-hour position paying $23.87 per hour.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience in a social service and/or customer service role.
• Experience or knowledge related to mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or homeless services.
• Knowledge and experience with crisis intervention.
• Commitment to harm reduction and the housing first program model.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to developing and safeguarding a culturally diverse workplace.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs and related databases.
• Reliable means of communication, such as phone, voicemail, or email, for being reached at all times.
• Ability to adapt and respond to different people and situations through a trauma-informed lens.
• Ability to support and uphold the mission, beliefs, and values of the Coordinated Care Agency and the Archdiocesan Housing Authority.
• Ability to contribute to a creative, collaborative, respectful, and team-oriented environment.
• Attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multicultural situations.
• Completion of criminal history background checks prior to employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a food handler’s permit within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with people experiencing housing instability.
• Lived experience with poverty, housing instability, mental health, and/or substance use disorders.
• College-level classes toward a degree in social service or a related field.
• Previous work experience in programs serving clients with high support needs.
• CPR/First Aid training.
• Ability to speak a secondary language commonly spoken by clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct service, crisis intervention, and advocacy to participants.
• Coordinate with social service agency workers and other professionals to address clients’ immediate needs.
• Model interpersonal and living skills, implement program rules, and maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
• Assist janitorial and maintenance staff, including routine debris removal and other cleaning assistance.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and independently without direct supervision; attend required in-person agency meetings.
• Register new clients and evaluate and assess their needs.
• Enter relevant notes and information into databases and maintain and update client records.
• Explain and implement program policies and procedures and maintain accurate client counts and tracking records.
• Dispense personal belongings and supplies to clients.
• Conduct frequent scheduled checks of units, the building, and grounds; engage outside professionals when appropriate.
• Manage the front desk and site security, welcome clients and visitors, receive in-kind donations, sort and distribute mail, monitor security cameras and the lobby, and sanitize client belongings.
• Conduct facility walkthroughs to engage with clients and ensure safety.
• Process messages, answer phones, and provide callers with information about program and other location services.
• Lead activities or groups and assist with preparing and serving meals, snacks, and beverages.
• Help host events for clients and the public and assist clients moving into or out of the program as needed.
• Supervise volunteers on shift and advise and support off-site volunteers as needed.
• Attend assigned staff meetings, workshops, retreats, and in-service classes.
• Accurately record hours worked daily and approve timecards before the deadline.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment and participate in group decision-making.
• Maintain program cleanliness and organization and assist with client and program laundry as needed.
• Inform supervisors of facility and client-related issues and perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life insurance and long-term disability.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Paid sick leave, 15 vacation days, 12 paid holidays, and one personal holiday.
• CCS/CHS 403(b) Employee Savings Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed