Program Assistant at Nyer Urness House

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: Operating on a “housing first” model, Nyer Urness House provides 80 units of permanent supportive housing to adults who were formerly unhoused. Supportive services include case management, a medical clinic operated by Neighborcare Health on-site, daily meals and other community building resources. The community is named for the Reverend Nyer Urness, whose philosophy of meeting people where they are is a fundamental principle of the work at Nyer Urness House. 

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: Ballard Neighborhood (Seattle, WA)
• REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator or Manager
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
• SCHEDULE: Saturday-Sunday 7am-3:30pm & Thursday 3-11:30pm; with monthly staff meetings last Wednesday 9am-11:15am
• MEAL PERIOD: Unpaid (30-minutes)
• SALARY: $21.22 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 employee