Evening Program Assistant at Cascade Women's Program

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Program Assistant observes, records, and responds as needed to the comings and goings of guests, staff, and residents, maintains a safe and comfortable environment for residents, and responds to resident issues as appropriate. Maintains security by following procedures and interacting with and monitoring activity in the lobby area. They serve as a member of the program services team; they support and work with the other team members 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: Since 1999, Cascade Women’s Program has provided a safe place to live and access to vital resources for female-identifying individuals experiencing homelessness in Seattle. The program provides 32 units of permanent supportive housing, along with case management and support from a skilled, compassionate staff.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services and affordable housing for individuals and families experiencing housing instability in the greater Puget Sound region. 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 consider the diversity of the staff, guests, residents, and community partners to be an important asset. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization. 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.

• LOCATION: South Lake Union Neighborhood (Seattle, WA)
• REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator/Manager
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
• SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 4pm-12am; with monthly staff meetings on 3rd Thursday
• MEAL PERIOD: Paid (30-minutes)
• SALARY: $24.50 per hour (Step 1*)
• *Step 2 increase of 2.5% after 12 consecutive months of employment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. The employee in this position must be able to read, write, and understand English.

Resident Support & Security 

• Provide trauma-informed monitoring of activity in and around the building to ensure safety, security, and comfort of residents 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 residents with tasks such as laundry access and/or instruction, group activities or other similar activities assigned by managers. 
• Respond to resident issues as appropriate or as directed by the Program Manager, Program Coordinator and/or Property Manager.
• Report resident and/or building needs to management and ensure supply/equipment is in stock for use. 
• Provide light data entry support.
• Post flyers or other communications within the building as directed, making the common spaces a welcoming and program-focused area.
• 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/guest access and monitor guest log enforcing rules and restrictions.
• Follow building/staff safety and emergency procedures according to program and agency policies. 
• Contact appropriate staff for assistance, as needed, as well as 911, police, fire department, and other service agencies, when appropriate.
• Perform light janitorial duties, as assigned.

Leadership

• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. 
• 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 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 follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
• Ability to set and maintain boundaries in a professional manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
• Follow sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence. 
• Promote a team environment that values, encourages, and supports differences.
• Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people, while valuing their differences. 
• Strong problem solving, time and project management skills are required to be successful in this role. 
• 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.
• 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).

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 1-years’ experience in building security and/or customer service, desired.
• A minimum of 1-year’s of experience in human services (work and/or volunteer), desired.
• Awareness and/or training around issues of equity, intersectionality, and belonging, desired.
• Current WA State Food Handlers Permit, desired (If not current, will be sponsored within 1-month of hire). 
• Familiarity with issues of housing instability, mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and/or domestic violence. Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier, desired.
• 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. A degree in social work or related field would be a complement to the required experience.

Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. 
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/ handle/feel/type, and reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds. 
• Work takes place in a shelter/social services environment where long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking to various work areas, going up and down stairs, and standing are required.
• Mental efforts like attention to detail, interacting with others in-person and through email, using critical thinking skills to strategize, develop and implement business plans, create, and edit documents, listen, and participate verbally at meetings.  
• In compliance with the ADA Amendment Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department via phone at 206-474-1100 or via e-mail at HRInfo@compasshousingalliance.org.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is normal. Compass programs are housed within a human services environment in the Greater Seattle area. Our diverse client/guest/resident community includes many single, formerly homeless adults who lack any family support system. Compounding the constraints of poverty, our community includes individuals who are physically and/or mentally disabled, persons living with AIDS, those who struggle with chemical dependencies, veterans, and vulnerable, elderly adults. Working at Compass will mean that you will be in close proximity to the people we serve. 
• Employees can reasonably be anticipated to come in contact with hazardous chemicals, blood borne pathogens (BBP), and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) which require following basic safety precautions. Regular training will be provided by Compass that covers all elements of the occupational exposures, such as BBP, OPIM, and hazardous chemicals, expected to be found in the work environment. 
• This position is not eligible for remote work, it requires onsite work only. 
• Compass facilities are monitored with camera surveillance equipment for safety and security purposes. The cameras will generally be utilized only in public areas where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy.