On-call Participant Support Specialist

PURPOSE DIGNITY ACTION • Seattle, WA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The On-Call Participant Support position provides flexible, as-needed on-call support in CoLEAD temporary lodging sites. On-Call Participant Support staff do not carry a caseload and do not have a set schedule. Instead, they focus on meeting the day-to-day needs of program participants (PTs), supporting safe and stable lodging environments, and assisting with daily operations, engagement, and PT and facility wellbeing.

On-Call Participant Support staff work as part of a multidisciplinary care team and provide participant-centered, trauma-responsive, and harm-reduction-based support. This role is ideal for individuals who want flexible, on-call work while supporting participants with complex needs in a Housing First, low-barrier setting.

On-Call Participant Support staff are required to pick up a minimum of three (3) shifts per month. Additional shifts may be available based on program needs.

Requirements

• Experience supporting individuals who face barriers engaging with traditional systems, including those impacted by homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance use, or the criminal legal system.
• Be a positive, collaborative, and engaged team member during shifts.
• Ability to work effectively with participants displaying a wide range of behaviors.
• Ability to remain calm, respectful, and flexible in dynamic or stressful situations.
• Commitment to harm reduction and participant-centered care.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and direction while exercising good judgment.
• This is an on-call position with no guaranteed hours.
• Staff must pick up at least three (3) Day or Swing shifts or two (2) Overnight Shifts per month
• Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, or holidays based on program needs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in customer service, hospitality, peer support, outreach, youth development, behavioral health, or community-based settings is an asset but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site, day-to-day temporary lodging support to participants living in CoLEAD temporary lodging sites using a trauma-responsive and harm-reduction approach.
• Support participants with daily activities such as room audit support, room inspections, room moves, and general lodging stability.
• Distribute resources to PTs.
• Document PT engagement in alignment with CoLEAD standards.
• Engage participants in a respectful, non-judgmental manner and help de-escalate conflict or challenging situations when they arise.
• Support overdose prevention efforts, including awareness of overdose risk and responding appropriately according to program protocols.
• Support daily operations, including coordination with facility operations staff and reporting maintenance or safety concerns.
• Help maintain a lodging environment that is clean, calm, affirming, and conducive to participant stability.
• Support adherence to CoLEAD Lodging Agreement rules and program expectations through engagement, coaching, and redirection when needed.
• Assist in reducing illicit activity that may have community impact while maintaining a participant-centered, harm-reduction approach.
• Communicate relevant observations or concerns to supervisors or assigned case management staff.
• Complete basic documentation, shift notes, and incident reports per policy.
• Comply with agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and all applicable laws and procedures.
• Complete required operational tasks such as turning in receipts and paperwork in a timely manner.
• Attend required trainings, briefings, or meetings as required
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant wellbeing.

Benefits

• Sick, Safe, and Personal Time is accrued on an hourly basis (1hour per 40 hours worked).
• Access to PDA trainings and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed