Program Assistant (AFSCME)

Job Description Summary

The Homeless Response Department of the City of Olympia is responsible for administration of the City of Olympia's homeless programs. The Department seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Homeless Response Program Aide. Successful candidates will support the City's ongoing response to persons experiencing homelessness in the City of Olympia. This is a benefited position. This position is represented by the AFSCME Union.

Ideal Candidate Profile
• Act in a responsible and respectful manner toward all members of the community.
• Strong customer service (verbal and written communication skills, organization and follow through)
• Knowledge of local resources available to persons experiencing homelessness
• Ability to deal with high stress situations daily and work as a team member.
• Knowledge of how to work with people with mental health and substance abuse issues with a trauma-informed care approach.
• Respond to and de-escalate potentially confrontational situations.
 

To Apply​

• Submit a resume and cover letter with your application.
• This is a continuous recruitment. Submit your application by 11:59 pm, October 15, 2025 to be eligible for first review.
• Only electronic applications are accepted.
• Contact Information
• If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Kim Kondrat, Homeless Response Coordinator, at 360.742.6448 or via email at kkondrat@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Example Of Duties

1. Collaborates with homeless response team and connects with unhoused residents to offer community services and housing/shelter opportunities.
2. Responds promptly to resident requests regarding individuals living outdoors or in vehicles, 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. 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;  
6. OR technical certification in a related field plus one (1) year of experience in providing support to a social services program; 
7. OR a combination of experience (including lived experience), certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas
8. A valid Washington State driver’s license will be required.
9. Required to successfully pass a criminal background check.
10. Must have first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training or ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire. 

Experience

Special Requirements

Union:

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

Compensation (Minimum-Maximum):

$68,657.76 - $83,453.94

Exempt:

No

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.

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 (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. 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.