Relief Staff

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

ABOUT THE POSITION: The job of a Relief Staff is to fill in for regularly scheduled employees who are sick or on vacation leave. They are responsible for providing direct services and engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness in supportive programs (day services, emergency shelters, and permanent supportive housing). Relief Staff work as substitutes in various locations in Puget Sound area with varying scheduling needs (days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays).

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services and affordable housing for individuals and families experiencing housing instability in the greater Puget Sound region. 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 consider the diversity of the staff, guests, residents, and community partners to be an important asset. We recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization. Compass Housing Alliance is a division of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) as of January 1, 2026. After years of affiliation and partnership, Compass and LCSNW are 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 a holistic support to the communities we serve.

• LOCATION: Various sites including Auburn, Renton, Seattle, and Shoreline. May work at multiple programs.
• REPORTS TO: Shift Supervisor, Program Supervisor, and/or Program Manager
• FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
• HOURS: LESS than 29-hours per week on average
• SCHEDULE: No regular or guaranteed work schedule
• MEAL PERIOD: May be paid or unpaid (30-mins) depending on the shift location
• SHIFT: Options of overnight, evening and day shifts, 7 days a week
• SALARY: $23.69 per hour + additional $1.75 per hour for overnight shifts

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

Direct Social Services

• Engage participants to assess needs and provide information and referrals to appropriate services.
• Provide trauma-informed monitoring of the building to ensure safety, security and emergency protocol, comfort of participants and staff.
• Provide meals, laundry, hygiene, 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.
• Greet participants in a kind and respectful manner when they require support.
• Assist with mail sorting and distribution to those using Compass as their mailing address.
• Contact appropriate staff for assistance as needed and 911, police, fire department, and other service agencies when appropriate.
• Maintain building logs and records.
• Perform light janitorial and/or maintenance duties as appropriate.

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 RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for participants from different backgrounds.
• 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 your manager when needed.
• Ability to follow agency policy and procedures to maintain safety and security within the facility.
• Ability to set and maintain boundaries in a professional manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and crisis situations.
• Follow sound interpersonal boundaries and emotional intelligence.
• Relate openly and comfortably with people from all backgrounds while valuing different points of views.
• Strong problem solving and time management skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team, particularly to exercise 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.
• Aptitude for learning new technology skills with Microsoft products and other internet-based software.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with topics of housing instability, mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and/or domestic violence, required.
• At least 1-year experience in a social/human service setting, preferred.
• Awareness and/or training around belonging, compassion, and meeting people where they are, preferred.
• Fluent ability to read, write, and understand the English language, preferred.
• 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. In addition, success in this role requires a passion for knowledge and drive for continuing professional development or education. A degree in related field would be a complement to the required experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• 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 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 at View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is normal. Compass programs are housed within a human services environment in the Greater Seattle area. Our client/guest/resident community includes many single, formerly homeless adults who lack any family support system. Compounding the constraints of poverty, our community includes individuals who are physically and/or mentally disabled, persons living with AIDS, those who struggle with chemical dependencies, veterans, and vulnerable, elderly adults. Working at Compass will mean that you will be in close proximity to the people we serve.
• Employees can reasonably be anticipated to come in contact with hazardous chemicals, bloodborne pathogens (BBP), and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) which require following basic safety precautions. Regular training will be provided by Compass that covers all elements of the occupational exposures, such as BBP, OPIM, and hazardous chemicals, expected to be found in the work environment.
• This position is not eligible for remote work, it requires onsite work only.
• Compass facilities are monitored with camera surveillance equipment for safety and security purposes. The cameras will generally be utilized only in public areas where there is not a reasonable expectation of privacy.