Counselor at Blaine Veterans Center

ABOUT THE POSITION: The Counselor is responsible for milieu management while engaging guests/residents in a direct social service housing program. Time is divided among direct service, operations, and administrative responsibilities to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the program. Duties include 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: Blaine Veterans Center is a 24-hour shelter program, which provides enhanced emergency shelter for 36 male-identifying veterans. Guests access on-site housing navigation, hygiene services, daily meals, and a variety of case management resources to help eliminate barriers to stability. This intensive case management program is designed to move participants towards stable, permanent housing. Referrals are through the King County Veterans Program. 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: 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 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 recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to be welcoming to all. 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: Seattle Center Neighborhood (Seattle, WA) 
• REPORTS TO: Shift Supervisor and Program Manager
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
• SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm monthly staff meetings 1st Tuesday 2-4pm
• 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

Social Services

• Register and engage guests/residents to assess needs providing immediate and appropriate information and referral.
• Engage guests/residents in ongoing supportive relationship by displaying the qualities of warmth, empathy, and a person-centered approach.
• Provide trauma-informed monitoring of activity in and around the facility to ensure safety, security, and comfort of guests/residents and staff.
• Provide meals, laundry, and cleaning services in accordance with schedule and assignments.
• Mediate conflicts and provide de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• 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.
• Monitor security cameras, make periodic security rounds of the building, checking lights, doors, and windows, and investigating noise and other complaints.
• Control after-hours front door/guest access enforcing rules and restrictions.
• Follow 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.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• None

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.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel/type, and reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to occasionally push, pull, lift, and/or carry supplies up to 20 pounds. 
• Work takes place in a supportive housing/shelter/social services environment where long periods of sitting, working on a computer, walking to various work areas, going up and down stairs, and standing are required.
• Mental efforts like attention to detail, interacting with others in-person and through email, using critical thinking skills to strategize, develop and implement business plans, create, and edit documents, listen, and participate verbally at meetings.
• In compliance with the ADA Amendment Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department via phone at 206-474-1100 or via e-mail at [email protected].