Client Support Specialist

Ywcaworks; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 30,117 - 42,895; Part time

Job summary

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish is seeking a Resident Support Specialist to deliver high‑quality, culturally responsive in‑person and by‑phone service to residents, clients, and staff. You will respond to emergencies, manage lobby operations, and coordinate referrals to YWCA programs and community resources.

The role emphasizes safety, confidentiality, and professional conduct in a busy, diverse setting, with on‑call hours and a focus on community well‑being.

Qualifications

• Experience in housing/apartment/residential setting or security preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet residents, guests, and clients and refer to YWCA programs as needed.

Skills

Customer service

De-escalation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Tools

Outlook

Microsoft Word

SharePoint

Job description

What You’ll Do

YWCA is looking for committed, available, and skilled problem solvers to join our team. The Resident Support Specialist – officially titled Resident, Guest, and Client Support Specialist – is responsible for providing high-quality, culturally responsive, and consistent in‑person and by‑phone customer service to all residents, clients, guests, staff, volunteers, donors, and community members in a diverse and busy environment. Service includes providing initial referrals to YWCA programs and to community resources as needed. This position also acts as a first responder to onsite emergency situations at the YWCA Seneca and Opportunity Place buildings.

The role supports a lobby area that has resident activity. Strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, patience, and a professional appearance are essential. The lobby should be free of unnecessary distractions, welcoming, and security focused.

Customer Service

• Greets residents, guests, and clients, answers questions about YWCA programs with a positive and professional attitude.


• Maintains knowledge of YWCA resident resources, services, and staff and can make appropriate inter‑agency referrals.


• Answers all incoming calls: directing them to appropriate departments, takes messages, and addresses inquiries regarding all resources and services offered by the YWCA.


• Maintains a calm, caring, and professional demeanor at all times, especially during stressful situations.


• Communicates effectively and appropriately in a diverse environment; maintains confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism; and maintains proper client/staff relationship boundaries.


• Incorporates the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by understanding how racism, sexism, classism, and other oppressions intersect and are embedded in institutions.


• Treats all guests, residents, staff, clients, and volunteers with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender, or socioeconomic background.

Security and Safety Monitoring

• Ensures security cameras are operable and working throughout the shift.


• Secures the front lobby area by ensuring proper security of entrances and follows all site protocols related to access.


• Monitors activity in the lobby area and on cameras throughout the building and enforces policies regarding building and resident safety.


• Ensures the front desk lobby is cleaned, sanitized, and free from unnecessary clutter or food.


• Manages all required administrative records for residents and visitors.


• Maintains confidentiality of all residents and clients by not giving out any information without supervisor approval.


• Can de-escalate conflicts or crises in the lobby area between residents and other community members and direct them to appropriate staff who can provide next steps.

Emergency Response

• Understands and regularly uses the Emergency E-Book Troubleshoot Manual.


• Pays appropriate and vital communications in a timely manner.


• Responds to crisis by providing concise and accurate information to resolve the crisis, which may involve contacting appropriate YWCA staff.


• Maintains a working knowledge of fire, safety, and disaster plans related to emergency situations and conditions.


• Provides clear direction and access to emergency first responders when applicable.


• Follows emergency response guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Administrative Duties

• Completes accurate, legible, and coherent written correspondences.


• Records all pertinent information in a logbook and emails case managers, apartment managers, directors, or others as needed.


• Assists in maintaining required supplies and forms.


• Sorts and accurately distributes staff and client mail.


• Understands and follows all policies in the RGC Support Specialist policy manual as well as other YWCA policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a housing/apartment/residential building in a major city similar to Seattle is preferred.


• Experience working as a security guard.


• Three years in a customer service–facing role.


• Demonstrated reliability with attendance and punctuality.


• Demonstrated experience with event logs and/or case notes.


• Written communication (paper, email, online) that is organized and legible with proper spelling and grammatical content.


• Knowledgeable of social services and resources in Seattle and King County area.


• Basic computer literacy with ability to use Outlook, Microsoft Word, and SharePoint.


• Completed De-Escalation Training on an annual basis.


• Valid CPR and First Aid Certification obtained within six months of employment.

Compensation and Hours

Hourly Range: $26.50 per hour. There is a shift differential of $2.00 per hour for selected swing shift hours and $4.00 per hour for selected overnight hours.

Hours: As an on‑call position, you will be contacted to work on an \'as needed\' basis.

Benefits

For information about our benefits, please visit YWCA Careers & Benefits Information. At the time of hire, employees may enroll voluntarily in the Fidelity 403b Plan. After two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund.

YWCA encourages applicants with a variety of experiences to apply!

Physical Demands

• Continuous use of speech, hearing, and sight abilities in performing job duties.


• Continuously repetitive use of hands and wrists and frequent fingering, handling, grasping, and reaching in using computers, telephones, fax machines, and other office equipment.


• Continuously sitting, often for extended periods while performing desktop activities.


• Continuously walking to other departments and occasional standing in performing duties.


• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 5 lbs. of paperwork and files.


• Frequently bends and stoops while obtaining files in lower drawers.


• Ability to frequently move about the facility using the stairs; in emergent situations able to move quickly following emergency protocols.

Mental Health Considerations

All employees of the YWCA interact with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms, including but not limited to racial trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, and financial hardship. As a result, employees are at risk of secondary trauma. We encourage employees to seek support inside and outside the workplace and maintain self-care routines.

Equal Opportunity Employment

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To read more about this, view EEO is the Law Poster and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

Contact Information

Contact us at [e-mail] with any questions or if you need accommodation for your application.