Housing and Homeless Response Outreach Team Program Assistant

Responsible for acting as a link between homeless people and resources for the City of Olympia (City). Work involves responding to resident inquiries and Responsible for acting as a link between homeless people and resources for the City of Olympia (City). Work involves responding to resident inquiries and providing access to local services for unhoused and low-income residents. Conducts outreach in encampments offering supplies and connections to housing, medical, crisis and quality-of-life resources. Collaborates closely with City departments, fire, police, local services and state and county agencies to provide comprehensive support. Performs administrative tasks as necessary to ensure smooth operations and efficient service.

This position is a 2-year project Funded Position.

Essential Functions

The essential functions of the position include but are not limited to:

1. Collaborates with homeless response team and connects with unhoused residents to offer community services and housing/shelter opportunities.
2. Responds promptly to requests regarding individuals living outdoors or in vehicles and encampments, offering professional and compassionate assistance.
3. Provides crisis support and de-escalation techniques as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in distress.
4. Collaborates effectively with City, county, state, fire, police and private resource providers to coordinate comprehensive solutions.
5. Transports individuals experiencing homelessness to essential appointments, emergency services and lodging, ensuring the safe transfer of their possessions.
6. Conducts thorough campsite cleanups including the safe disposal of hazardous materials, bio-waste, sharp items and explosives.
7. Maintains detailed records of activities and collects data relevant to City, county and federal government metrics for performance evaluation and improvement.
8. Procures and delivers essential supplies to unhoused residents ensuring their immediate needs are met.
9. Maintains accurate records, manages paperwork and ensures proper filing for all housing-related programs and activities.
10. Works closely with regional housing partners, community organizations and other jurisdictions to coordinate efforts, share information and build relationships.
11. Assists in planning and executing community engagement activities including outreach events, focus groups and surveys; helps to promote participation and gather feedback from the community.
12. Operates a 15-passenger van safely and efficiently.
13. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, behavioral health, and substance use disorders.
2. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.
3. Skill at navigating crisis situations and staying calm under pressure, effectively managing stressful events and finding solutions to complex problems.
4. Skill at providing first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
5. Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to medical emergencies and potentially save lives.
6. Ability to use motivational interviewing techniques to engage and motivate individuals to achieve their goals and make positive changes in their lives.
7. Ability to assess dangerous situations and implement safety measures to protect individuals and teams from harm.
8. Ability to utilize coordinated entry systems to efficiently connect individuals with the necessary services and resources.
9. Ability to properly dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community and the environment.
10. Ability to provide trauma-informed care, recognizing and responding to the effects of trauma and creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals affected by it.
11. Ability to direct road traffic effectively and safely, ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles and preventing accidents or congestion.
12. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Experience/Education:

1. High school diploma or GED and three (3) years of administrative support experience in a social services setting, preferably supporting a housing or homeless-related program;
2. OR technical certification in a related field plus one (1) year of experience in providing support to a social services program;
3. OR a combination of experience (including lived experience), certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

Special Requirements:

1. A valid Washington State commercial driver’s license (CDL) will be required.
2. May be required to successfully pass a criminal background check.
3. Must have first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training or ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire.
4. Must have one year (cumulative) of direct service to the unhoused population.
5. Must have training in the areas of motivational interviewing, danger assessment, coordinated entry, disposing of hazardous waste and trauma informed care or ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire.
6. Must have or be able to obtain Hepatitis B inoculation.

Supplemental Information

Contacts:

1. Depending on program assignment, the Program Assistant will have various interpersonal contacts including other City employees, business community, utility customers, other governmental agencies, and/or the public.
2. Contacts with other City employees may be for the purpose of supervision, information sharing, and/or work coordination.
3. Contacts with the business community are often for the purpose of information sharing but may include problem resolution relating to the program.
4. Some contacts may be difficult, requiring the Program Assistant to use tact and courtesy when explaining City programs, policies and procedures.
5. The Program Assistant will always have other City staff to use as a resource in problem resolution.
6. Interacts with people who have experienced immense trauma and often suffering from mental illness and substance use disorder.

Supervision:

1. This position is not expected to perform full supervisory duties of staff.

Accountability:

1. The Program Assistant is accountable for the timely, effective, professional completion of all assignments.

Working Conditions:

1. Depending on assignment, the Program Assistant may work in an office where noise and frequent interruptions are possible or in the field.
2. Fieldwork may require traveling by vehicle or on foot in heavily congested areas; working around various chemicals; exposure to hazards associated with various fumes, odors, and vapors; and sufficient mobility to navigate uneven terrain, streams/creeks, marshy areas, etc.
3. Some positions may involve exposure to customers in varying degrees of emotional distress, and physical/verbal conflict.

Olympia is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Union:

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$70,511.52 - $85,707.20

Exempt:

No

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at View email address on us.fitly.work.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at View phone number on us.fitly.work or View email address on us.fitly.work. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.