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:  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 from 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 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: Pioneer Square Neighborhood (Seattle, WA) 
• REPORTS TO: Shift Supervisor and Program Coordinator
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
• SCHEDULE #1: Saturday-Monday 8am-4pm (DAY); with biweekly staff   meetings on Thursdays 1-2pm
• SCHEDULE #2: Friday-Monday 4pm-12am (EVENING); with   biweekly staff meetings on Thursdays 1-2pm
• MEAL PERIOD: Paid (30-minutes)
• SALARY RANGE: $24.50 per hour (Step 1*)
  *Step 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. 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.