Program Assistant at Otto's Place

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Program Assistant observes, records, and responds as needed to the comings and goings of guests/residents/participants and staff, and maintains a safe and comfortable environment, to respond to issues as appropriate. They serve as a member of the program services team; they support and work 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, 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 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 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. We expect all employees to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to be welcoming to all. As of 2026, Compass Housing Alliance is a division of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW). After years of affiliation and partnership, Compass and LCSNW joined together as one organization aligned in our shared values: compassion, love, health, justice, and hope.

By combining LCSNW’s network of health and human services and Compass’s expertise in affordable housing and emergency services, we can provide holistic support to the communities we serve.

• LOCATION:
  
  Pioneer Square Neighborhood (Seattle, WA)
• REPORTS TO:
  
  Program Supervisor
• FLSA STATUS:
  Non-Exempt
• SCHEDULE:
  
  Sunday-Thursday 8am-4pm with biweekly staff meeting Thursdays 1-2pm
• MEAL PERIOD:
  Paid (30-minutes)
• SALARY: $25.24 per hour (Step 1*)
• * Step 2 increase of 2.5% after 12 consecutive months of employment

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.

• 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.
• Assist in support of 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…