Evening Program Assistant at Don's

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST • Auburn, WA

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Assistant observes, records, and responds as needed to the comings and goings of guests, residents, participants, and staff, while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. As a member of the program services team, the assistant provides trauma-informed support to the community and responds to issues as appropriate. This is a unionized position represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

Don’s Place, located in Auburn, Washington, is a hybrid housing program combining aspects of enhanced shelter and permanent supportive housing. It provides non-time-limited emergency housing with 24/7 supportive services for adults and couples. Participants have access to daily meals, staffing support, laundry, and resources including referrals to medical and mental health services and other benefits that may help address barriers to stable, long-term housing.

The position is onsite near the Emerald Downs Neighborhood in Auburn. The schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to midnight, with monthly staff meetings every third Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The meal period is paid and lasts 30 minutes. The role reports to the Program Supervisor and is non-exempt. The stated pay is $25.24 per hour, with an additional $2.00 per hour for overnight shifts; Level 2 includes a 2.5% increase after a consecutive year of employment.

The work takes place in a social services, shelter, and supportive housing environment, near people served by the organization. Duties include monitoring building activity and security, supporting program activities, responding to participant needs and incidents, documenting actions, and performing light janitorial duties as assigned. Employees may encounter hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials and are expected to follow safety precautions; regular training is provided. The position is not eligible for remote work.

The posting describes full-time benefits as medical, vision, and dental insurance at low or no monthly cost, an Orca transportation card, $500 toward a health Flexible Spending Account, a retirement plan, an Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling, up to four weeks of paid time off, up to 12 days of floating holiday leave, and up to nine days of holiday work pay. It also lists a separate part-time benefits package with an Orca card, retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program, prorated paid time off and floating holiday leave, and up to nine days of holiday work pay.

Requirements

• Fluent ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, tact, and respect for participants from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of de-escalation, crisis intervention, and stabilization practices.
• Ability to manage difficult interpersonal situations, recognize when to seek managerial support, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment with interruptions and crises.
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries and follow agency policies and procedures for facility safety and security.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, including exercising sound judgment in the absence of supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn technology skills involving Microsoft products and internet-based software, as well as functions on office equipment and devices.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly talking and listening; frequently standing, walking, using hands, and reaching; and occasionally pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to work in a setting that may involve prolonged sitting, computer work, walking between work areas, stairs, and standing.
• Ability to follow basic safety precautions when exposed to hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and other potentially infectious materials.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in a social or human services setting.
• Awareness of or training in belonging, compassion, and meeting people where they are.
• Familiarity with housing instability, mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and/or domestic violence.
• Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier.
• A current Washington State Food Handler’s Permit; if not current, the employee will be sponsored within one month of hire.
• A degree in human or social services or a related field is noted as a complement to the required experience.
• Passion for learning and drive for continuing professional development or education.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed monitoring of activity in and around the building to support the safety, security, and comfort of participants and staff.
• Mediate conflicts, provide de-escalation and crisis intervention, model problem-solving, and refer people to appropriate services as needed.
• Assist with program activities, including meal service, laundry access or instruction, group activities, and similar tasks.
• Engage participants to assess needs and provide immediate, appropriate information and referrals.
• Respond to participant issues as appropriate or as directed by program or property management.
• Report participant or building needs to management and ensure supplies and equipment are stocked.
• Monitor security cameras; conduct periodic security rounds; check lights, doors, and windows; and investigate noise and other complaints.
• Log actions, incidents, and rule enforcement, and report unusual or sensitive matters to the Program Coordinator and/or Manager.
• Control after-hours front-door access and monitor participant logs, enforcing applicable rules and restrictions.
• Follow building and staff safety and emergency procedures in accordance with program and agency policies.
• Perform light janitorial duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality, tact, respect, professional boundaries, and effective working relationships with colleagues and participants.
• Perform duties in a timely and effective manner consistent with agency policies and position objectives.

Benefits

• Full-time package: medical, vision, and dental insurance at low or no monthly cost.
• Orca transportation card.
• $500 toward a health Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling.
• Up to four weeks of paid time off.
• Up to 12 days of floating holiday leave.
• Up to nine days of holiday work pay.
• Part-time package: prorated paid time off and floating holiday leave, in addition to an Orca transportation card, retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program, and up to nine days of holiday work pay.

What This Job Offers

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