Full-time position starting at $21.96 - $23.28/hr (D.O.E) with COMPETITIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Generous PTO, paid sick time, 15 days of paid vacations, 13 days of paid holidays, plus a personal holiday
• CCS/CHS 403(b) Employee Saving Plan
• Employee assistance program

Program Description

Bakhita Gardens provides safe and comfortable dwellings for a diverse community of women, particularly those most vulnerable. The women we serve are very low income, have experienced long-term homelessness, and live with disabilities that include mental illness and substance use disorders. Three programs exist in the Bakhita Gardens building: Noel House Enhanced Shelter: 20 semi-private shelter units where homeless women can stay for up to a year while looking for permanent housing; Noel House Permanent Housing: 20 semi-private permanent housing units designed for women who have been homeless the longest and who have the most difficulty navigating systems; Rose of Lima House: 50 single-room occupancy units of Permanent Supportive Housing for women moving out of homelessness. Bakhita Gardens fosters a supportive, team-oriented work environment where each staff provides advocacy, information and referrals to the women using our services.

Noel House--Community Programs offers shelter, shelter referral and hygiene services to women experiencing homelessness. They also operate an emergency shelter program for families in East King County. Approximately 200 women and families per day receive emergency services through Noel House Community Programs.

Position Description

The Operations Specialist supports Bakhita Gardens and Noel House Community Programs through developing relationships and projects with long-term and one-time volunteer groups and individuals, procuring and managing in-kind donations, purchasing, tracking and delivering program supplies, and maintaining the agency vehicles. The Program Assistant interfaces with other staff, volunteers, donors, and women receiving services at our various program sites.

In the course of performing the duties of the Operations Specialist, it is not uncommon to see, engage or be confronted with first hand – or encounter first hand – the following: violence and threats of violence; profane, racist and/or sexist language; bodily fluids; conflict; interactions with First Responders; alcohol and street drugs; cigarette smoke; death of service participants or her/his associates; nudity of service participants or her/his associates; friends/family dynamics with service participants; people involved with sex work; people involved in the drug trade; persons used against their consent, will or knowledge; people in conflict with the law; and/or other situations that may be unsettling. Measures are taken to train staff to appropriately deal with these situations, but those in the position should reasonably expect these types of things to occur. The supervisor will provide appropriate direction and support to these situations.

 Community Development

• Outreach existing and potential community partners for in-kind donations, including personal hygiene supplies, bedding, food, and supplies for community-building activities.
• Manage in-kind donations for Bakhita Gardens, the Women’s Referral Center, the Women’s Wellness Center, St. Mark’s Shelter, RCC Shelter and Eastside Shelter for Families.
• Recruit new donors.
• Respond to inquiries about in-kind donations and communicate program needs with donors.
• Coordinate the delivery and organization of in-kind donations.
• Prepare and send acknowledgements to in-kind donors.
• Build community outreach strategies for donors and vendors.
• In collaboration with the Program Director, coordinate and facilitate the annual holiday card sales, a fundraiser that nets $10k - $15k each year.
• Recruit, orient and train volunteers for Bakhita Gardens.
• Provide ongoing support to volunteers, including volunteer appreciation efforts.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteer groups for special events for projects.

Supplies and Inventory

• Monitor inventory and order program and shelter supplies.
• Respond to supply needs at five service sites: Bakhita Gardens, the Women’s Referral Center, St. Mark’s Shelter, RCC Shelter and the Eastside Shelter for Families.
• Coordinate the maintenance, drivers, and scheduling of program vans.
• Arrange with volunteers or personally handle weekly pick-ups and deliveries, including supplies, shelter blankets and food.
• Maintain cleanliness and order of the refrigerators and various storage spaces.
• Assist with laundering bedding for nightly shelter use.

General Responsibilities

• Contribute to and support a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Facilitate/Participate in staff meetings.
• Attend trainings required of CCS/CHS employees and staff meetings as scheduled.
• Maintain accurate record of hours worked and turn in timesheets on schedule.
• Inform supervisors of facility and client-related issues.
• Perform other job-related duties, as assigned.
• Act as spokesperson for Harm-Reduction.

Job Conditions

This position requires the employee to work in an environment where there may be exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material. Other exposures could include cleaning supplies, chemicals involved in pest control, pain and other materials used in building maintenance. Working conditions may include interruptions, interactions with upset people, and exposure to computer CRTs.

Physical And Mental Acuity Requirements

The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to hear telephone rings, phone conversation, doorbells, emergency alarms and face-to-face conversation.
• Able to speak clearly in person and on the telephone.
• Able to hand write legibly.
• Vision that enables person to read normal size print and handwritten notes; and distance and peripheral vision than enables person to monitor large space and identify concerns that require staff response.
• Mobility/dexterity of hands/arms to enable keying into locked areas as well as using a computer and other office equipment.
• Able to sit for sustained periods of time.
• Able to walk the entire building and ascend and descend stairs quickly to move from one floor to another in order to respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to lift, move and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Able to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in performing job duties.

• At least six months of experience working as part of an administrative team.
• At least one year of direct experience in a shelter or other social service programs, including knowledge of homelessness, mental illness and addictions.
• Demonstrated experience working with volunteer, donors and/or community relations.
• Understanding of women’s issues, harm reduction, and housing first.
• Ability to communicate with staff and clients from a strength-based style for positive resolution.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated willingness to cultivate relationships.
• Ability to meet 24/7 demands at multiple sites.
• Ability to multi-task and perform under pressure.
• Ability to effectively prioritize many tasks in a busy work environment.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Work history that demonstrates reliability and dependability.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to qualify as an acceptable driver under CCS policy for driving an agency vehicle.
• Ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, teamwork and excellence.
• Ability to work within the mission, goals, and service objectives of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Understanding of food safety and Public Health requirements for meal and/or foodbank programs.
• Ability to communicate to diverse audience.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel programs and basic internet skills.