Evening Counselor at Jan and Peter's Place

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Counselor is responsible for milieu management while engaging clients in a direct social service program. Time is divided among direct service operations and administrative responsibilities to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the program. Duties include client engagement intake assessment advocacy information and referral problem solving and crisis intervention in addition to meal preparation laundry and light janitorial assignments. This is a unionized position represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Jan & Peters Place Womens Shelter provides a safe and warm place to sleep each night for forty female-identifying guests experiencing homelessness. Guests are served dinner and breakfast at the shelter and have access to case management and support services.

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 .

• LOCATION: North Beacon Hill Neighborhood (Seattle WA)
• REPORTS TO: Shift Supervisor & Program Manager
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
• SCHEDULE: Wednesday-Sunday 3:30-11:30pm; with monthly staff meetings on 1st Thursday 3-5pm
• MEAL PERIOD: Paid (30-minutes)
• SALARY RANGE: $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. The employee in this position must be able to read write and understand English.

Social Services

• Register and engage clients to assess needs providing immediate and appropriate information and referral.
• Engage clients in ongoing supportive relationships by displaying the qualities of warmth empathy and a client-centered approach.
• Provide meals laundry cleaning services in accordance with schedule and assignments.
• Mediate conflicts and provide de-escalation and crisis intervention; mediate conflicts and model appropriate problem solving and refer to appropriate clinical services as needed.
• Maintain necessary logs records and statistics with clear and accurate case notes of all significant interaction in client files.

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 of 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 DUTIES

• 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 work in fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative and cooperative manner to problem solve for effective outcomes particularly without on-site supervision.
• Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people while valuing their differences.
• Follow sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence.
• 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

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in customer service required.
• At least 1 year of experience in a social/human service setting desired.
• Awareness and/or training around issues of equity intersectionality and belonging.
• Current WA State Food Handlers Permit desired (If not current will be sponsored within 1-month of hire).
• Familiarity with topics of housing instability mental health substance use sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Experience working in an environment where language may be a barrier required.
• 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.