Program Assistant at Otto's Place

Compass Housing Alliance•Seattle, WA

13d•$25•Onsite

About The Position

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Program Assistant observes, records, and responds as needed to the comings and goings of guests/residents/participants and staff, and maintains a safe and comfortable environment, to respond to issues as appropriate. They serve as a member of the program services team; they support and work with them to serve the community by providing trauma-informed assistance. This is a unionized position, represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Otto’s Place Enhanced Shelter removes barriers for individuals transitioning out of homelessness by combining overnight shelter with 24/7 on-site support services and intensive case management, behavioral clinician, including housing navigation. In addition to services, we offer 100 individual sleeping areas for male-identifying guests, meals, laundry, and service pets. This combination of shelter and services enables us to meet people where they are and build a supportive community to help people currently living in tents or encampments to move toward stability. Referrals are directed by the City of Seattle’s Hope Team. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services, shelter, and affordable housing so that everyone in our community has a safe place to call home. We envision a world in which every person lives in a safe and caring community. Compass offers an open, supportive, and challenging work environment committed to promoting the dignity and well-being of each person that we serve. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to be welcoming to all. Compass is proud to be an affiliate agency of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW). LCSNW partners with individuals, families, and communities for health, justice, and hope by providing support services in key areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, refugees, and support to aging adults and people with disabilities to live independent lives. To learn more about the agency, visit www.compasshousingalliance.org.

Requirements

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 work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
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.
Follow sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence.
Relate openly and comfortably with people from all backgrounds while valuing different points of views.
Promote a team environment that values, encourages, and supports differences.
Work independently and as part of a team, particularly to exercise sound decision making in the absence of supervision, with strong collaboration skills.
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).
At least 1 year of experience in a social/human service setting, preferred.
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.

Nice To Haves

Awareness and/or training around belonging, compassion, and meeting people where they are, preferred.
Familiarity with topics of housing instability, mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and/or domestic violence, preferred.
Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier, preferred.
Current WA State Food Handlers Permit, preferred (If not current, will be sponsored within 1-month of hire).
A degree in human/social services or related field would be a complement to the required experience.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-informed monitoring of activity in and around the building to ensure safety, security, and comfort of guests/residents/participants and staff.
Mediate conflicts and provide de-escalation and crisis intervention; model appropriate problem solving and refer to appropriate services as needed.
Assist in support of program activities. Including meal services, assisting guests/residents/participants with tasks such as laundry access and/or instruction, group activities, or other similar activities.
Engage guests/residents/participants to assess needs providing immediate and appropriate information and referrals.
Respond to guests/residents/participants issues as appropriate or as directed by program management and/or property management.
Report guest/resident/participant and/or building needs to management and ensure supply/equipment is in stock for use.
Monitor security cameras, make periodic security rounds of the building, check lights, doors, and windows, and investigate noise and other complaints.
Log all actions, incidents, rule enforcements, and report unusual or sensitive matters to the Program Coordinator and/or Manager.
Control after-hours front door/access and monitor guest/resident/participant log enforcing rules and restrictions.
Follow building/staff safety and emergency procedures according to program and agency policies.
Perform light janitorial duties, as assigned.
Recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization.
Maintain a favorable working relationship with all other agency employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate.
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.
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.