Part-Time Program Assistant at Day Center

About the position

This unionized role is represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). 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 and responding to issues as appropriate. They serve on the program services team, providing trauma-informed assistance to support the community.

About the program

Compass Day Services includes the Client Services Office (CSO), the Hygiene Center, and the Day Services Center.

• The Day Center offers comfort and stability, providing refuge, meals, and basic services, as well as connections to housing navigation support, case management, mental health counseling, and nursing services.
• The Hygiene Center offers individuals experiencing homelessness a place to use the restroom, take a hot shower, and do a load of laundry.
• The CSO provides free mail services for individuals who are housing insecure.

About the organization

Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services, shelter, and affordable housing so that everyone in the community has a safe place to call home. The organization envisions 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 served. The organization values different perspectives and cultures and expects employees to foster welcoming conduct toward all. As of 2026, Compass Housing Alliance is a division of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), combining LCSNW’s network of health and human services with Compass’s expertise in affordable housing and emergency services to provide holistic support.

Location

Pioneer Square Neighborhood, Seattle, WA

Reports to

Program Supervisor

Schedule

• Monday – Tuesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Bi-weekly staff meetings on Thursdays at 4:00 pm
• Paid 30-minute meal period

Salary

$25.24 per hour; Level 2 includes a 2.5% increase after one year of consecutive employment.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• 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.
  • Support 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 management 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 view.
• Promote a team environment that values, encourages, and supports differences.
• Work independently and as part of a team, exercising 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 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.
• 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 in this role; success also 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.

Physical demands

• Regularly required to talk and listen.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel/type, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Work takes place in a social services/shelter/supportive housing environment requiring long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking to various work areas, going up and down stairs, and standing.
• Mental efforts include attention to detail, in-person and email interactions, critical thinking to strategize and implement plans, creating and editing documents, listening, and verbal participation in meetings.

Work environment

• The noise level in the work environment is normal.
• Compass programs are housed within a human services environment in the Greater Seattle area serving diverse clients including single, formerly homeless adults lacking family support, individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities, persons living with AIDS, those struggling with chemical dependencies, veterans, and vulnerable elderly adults.
• Employees may come into contact with hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogens (BBP), and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), requiring adherence to basic safety precautions; regular training will be provided.
• This position requires onsite work only; remote work is not eligible.
• Facilities are monitored with camera surveillance equipment for safety and security in public areas; some guests/residents/participants may use private surveillance equipment in their units.