Everyone Deserves Housing (EDH) EDH Engagement Specialst Seattle, WA · Full time Company website

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Everyone Deserves Housing (EDH) exists to ensure that people experiencing street level homelessness have a clear, compassionate pathway off the streets and into safe, stable housing. We work to break down barriers to services, recognizing that lasting stability requires equitable access to housing, healthcare, and community-based supports. Our work aims to provide people with the healthcare and support they need through emergency shelter and housing programs. The team promotes social change to address systemic racism and inequities linked to housing instability. We use a trauma-informed approach with clients and colleagues, recognizing how trauma impacts lives.

POSITION TITLE: Engagement Specialist  REPORTS TO: Operations Manager   

LOCATION OF POSITION: 1551 W Armory Way  HOURS:  Day, Swing and Grave Shifts are available      

STATUS: Full Time and Part Time shifts availble  Salary: 24.03/hr.    

 

Agency Description:   

 

Everyone Deserves Housing (EDH) exists to ensure that people experiencing street level homelessness have a clear, compassionate pathway off the streets and into safe, stable housing. We work to break down barriers to services, recognizing that lasting stability requires equitable access to housing, healthcare, and community-based supports.  

  

Our work aims to provide people with the healthcare and support they need through emergency shelter and housing programs. The team promotes social change to address systemic racism and inequities linked to housing instability. We use a trauma-informed approach with clients and colleagues, recognizing how trauma impacts lives.  

 

Position Description: 

 

The Engagement Specialist supports the daily operation of a 24/7 shelter program by maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, assisting clients with immediate needs, responding to crises, and completing operational and administrative tasks. This position works onsite and collaborates closely with staff, volunteers, and service providers. 

 

Client Support & Engagement 

• Build respectful relationships with clients using trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices.  
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, advocacy, and referrals.  
• Support clients with immediate needs and transitions into or out of shelter.  
• Facilitate groups, activities, or community engagement opportunities.  

Safety & Facility Operations 

• Monitor access to the building and maintain front desk coverage.  
• Conduct routine walkthroughs and grounds checks.  
• Enforce program guidelines consistently and respectfully.  
• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment.  

Intake & Documentation 

• Complete client intake, registration, and orientation.  
• Maintain accurate client counts and records.  
• Enter timely notes and updates into agency databases.  
• Communicate relevant client and facility information to staff.  

Teamwork & Program Support 

• Collaborate with coworkers, volunteers, and external providers.  
• Attend meetings and trainings as assigned.  
• Support meal service, donations, laundry, and other daily operations as needed.  
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 
• Follow the policies and procedures of EDH. 

 

 

Job Conditions: 

 

This position requires the employee to work in an environment where there may be exposure to illicit drug residues and fumes, bloodborne pathogens or other bio-hazardous materials in the course of doing business. Other exposures could include cleaning supplies, chemicals involved in pest control, paint and other materials used in building maintenance, building temperature fluctuations, dust, noise, pests, and odors. Other working conditions may include interruptions, working alone, evening or weekend work, responding to emergencies and working on-call. 

 

This position also requires the employee to work with clients who may have untreated or poorly treated substance use and mental health disorders.  These clients may demonstrate challenging behaviors that require staff support for de-escalation or redirection. 

 

Physical Requirements: 

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Occasionally positions self to assist with shelter setup, cleanliness, and organization.  
• Moves throughout the facility to monitor client areas, including outdoor gravel pathways and indoor common spaces. 
• Occasionally lifts or moves items such as bedding, food items, or supplies, generally up to 25 pounds, but occasionally up to 40 pounds.  
• Communicates effectively with clients, coworkers, volunteers, and emergency personnel in person and through written or electronic means. 
• Works in an environment that may include exposure to emotionally charged situations, crisis response, or unpredictable client behavior.  

Minimum Qualifications 

• One-year experience working in a social service and/or customer service role 
• Experience or knowledge of mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or homeless services. 
• Knowledge and experience with crisis intervention. 
• Commitment to harm reduction and housing first program model. 
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. 
• Ability to commit to developing and safekeeping a workplace that values and supports a culturally diverse work environment. 
• Experience with Microsoft office suite of programs and related databases. 
• Must have a reliable means of communication (e.g. phone, voicemail service, email, etc.) at all times in which to be reached. 
• Ability to adapt and respond to different people and situations through a trauma informed lens 
• Support and contribute to a creative, collaborative and respectful environment that promotes teamwork. 
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations. 
• Criminal history background checks are required prior to employment. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain food handler’s permit within 30 days of employment. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous experience working with people experiencing housing instability. 
• Lived experience with poverty, housing instability, mental health, and/or substance use disorders. 
• College level classes toward degree in Social Service or related field. 
• Previous work experience in programs that work with clients with high support needs. 
• CPR/First Aid training. 
• Ability to speak secondary language that is commonly spoken by clients. 

 

EDH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND VALUES DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE