Evening Program Assistant at Don's

Compass Housing Alliance • Auburn, WA

16d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Assistant monitors and responds to activity involving guests, residents, participants, and staff, helping maintain 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 unionized position is represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

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

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

The role provides trauma-informed monitoring, conflict mediation, de-escalation, crisis intervention, activity support, information and referrals, security monitoring, incident documentation, after-hours access control, and light janitorial support. The employee follows agency safety and emergency procedures and collaborates with colleagues to foster a respectful, cooperative workplace.

Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services, shelter, and affordable housing. As of 2026, Compass is a division of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. The organization describes its values as compassion, love, health, justice, and hope, and expects employees to help create a welcoming environment that respects different perspectives and cultures.

Requirements

• Fluent ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate tact and respect toward participants from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Knowledge of de-escalation, crisis intervention, and stabilization practices.
• Ability to manage difficult interpersonal situations and seek managerial support when needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries and follow agency safety and security policies.
• Ability to relate openly and comfortably to people from different backgrounds and support an inclusive team environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment without supervision, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Strong problem-solving skills and aptitude for learning Microsoft products, internet-based software, and office equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English, as required for the position.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Monitor activity in and around the building in a trauma-informed manner to support the safety, security, and comfort of guests, residents, 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 services, laundry access or instruction, group activities, and similar tasks.
• Engage with guests, residents, and 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 and 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 while enforcing 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 cooperative working relationships with agency employees and contribute to a respectful, harmonious workplace.
• Represent the organization favorably and perform duties in a timely and effective manner consistent with agency policies.

Benefits

• Full-time benefits include 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.

What This Job Offers

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