Evening Program Assistant at Otto's Place

About the Role

The Program Assistant observes, records, and responds as needed to the comings and goings of guests/residents/participants and staff, maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. They serve as a member of the program services team, supporting and working 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).

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, including housing navigation, a behavioral clinician, meals, laundry, and service pets. This combination enables us to meet people where they are and build a supportive community to help those living in tents or encampments move toward stability. Referrals are directed by the City of Seattle’s Hope Team.

Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services, shelter, and affordable housing so that everyone in our community has a safe place to call home. We offer an open, supportive, and challenging work environment committed to promoting the dignity and well-being of each person we serve. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization and expect all employees to foster inclusivity.

As of 2026, Compass Housing Alliance is a division of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), aligning our shared values: compassion, love, health, justice, and hope.

Responsibilities

• 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 services as needed.
• Assist in support of program activities, including meal services, laundry access, group activities, or similar tasks.
• Engage guests/residents/participants to assess needs, providing immediate and appropriate information and referrals.
• Respond to issues as appropriate or as directed by program management and/or property management; report needs to management and ensure supplies/equipment are stocked.
• Monitor security cameras, conduct periodic security rounds, check lights, doors, and windows, and investigate noise or 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 logs, enforcing rules and restrictions.
• Follow building/staff safety and emergency procedures according to program and agency policies.
• Perform light janitorial duties as assigned.
• Maintain a favorable working relationship with all agency employees to foster a cooperative and harmonious working climate.
• Project a favorable image of the organization to promote its aims and objectives.
• Perform duties in a timely and effective manner in accordance with agency policies.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Fluent ability to read, write, and understand English (required).
• 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; a degree in human/social services or a related field is a complement to required experience.

Skills

• Ability to maintain 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 experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Ability to manage difficult interpersonal situations effectively and know when to seek support from a manager.
• 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 policies and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to relate openly and comfortably with people from all backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate about technical problems and solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Aptitude for learning new technology skills, including Microsoft products and internet-based software.
• Ability to learn new functions on office equipment (printer, scanner, projector, copier).

Schedule

Thursday–Monday, 4:00 PM–12:00 AM, with a biweekly staff meeting on Thursdays from 1:00 PM–2:00 PM. Includes a paid 30-minute meal period.

Pay

$25.24 per hour (Level 1). Level 2: 2.5% increase after a consecutive year of employment.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk and listen; frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle/feel/type, and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to occasionally push, pull, lift, and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Work takes place in a social services/shelter environment, requiring long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking, going up and down stairs, and standing.
• Mental efforts include attention to detail, interacting with others, critical thinking, strategizing, developing and implementing plans, creating/editing documents, and participating in meetings.

Work Environment

The work environment is a human services setting in the Greater Seattle area. Employees may come into contact with hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogens (BBP), and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Regular training on occupational exposures is provided. This position is not eligible for remote work and requires onsite presence only.

Compass facilities are monitored with camera surveillance for safety and security, primarily in public areas. In housing facilities, some guests/residents/participants may use private surveillance equipment within their units.