Program Assistant

Description

TWO (2) Schedules available

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 The Hope Team. 

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 Housing Alliance is a division of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) as of January 1, 2026. After years of affiliation and partnership, Compass and LCSNW are joined together as one organization aligned in our shared values: compassion, love, health, justice, and hope. By combining LCSNW’s network of health and human services and Compass’s expertise in affordable housing and emergency services, we can provide a holistic support to the communities we serve.

LOCATION: Pioneer Square Neighborhood (Seattle, WA) 

REPORTS TO: Program Supervisor 

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt 

SCHEDULE #1: Friday-Monday 8am-4pm with biweekly staff meeting Thursday 1-2pm

SCHEDULE #2: Friday-Monday 4pm-12am with biweekly staff meeting Thursday 1-2pm

MEAL PERIOD: Paid (30-minutes) 

SALARY RANGE: $25.24 per hour
* Level 2: 2.5% increase after a consecutive year 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.

Direct Services

• 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.

Leadership

• 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.

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 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).

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• At least 1 year of experience in a social/human service setting, preferred.
• 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). 
• 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 human/social services or related field would be a complement to the required experience. 

Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. 
• 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 social services/shelter/supportive housing 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 at [email protected]. 

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 near the people we serve. 
• Employees can reasonably be anticipated to come in contact with hazardous chemicals, bloodborne 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. However, please be aware that in our housing facilities, some guests/residents/participants may choose to utilize their own private surveillance equipment within their units.