Front Desk Associate

Why work with YWCA Seattle King Snohomish? YWCA SKS is the region’s largest non-profit organization with a 120+ year legacy, focused on the needs of women, with programs serving 7,000 people each year. When you work with YWCA, you make a difference. We’re women and BIPOC-led, family-centered, and supportive of employees. As a full-time YWCA employee (30+ hours), you’ll enjoy a benefits package including medical insurance, generous vacation, holiday, sick leave plans, and an outstanding retirement plan. Put your passion for racial equity and social justice to work – apply today!What You'll Do The Edmonds New Start Center (EDNSC) is a new 24/7 Emergency Housing facility operated by the YWCA of Seattle, King, and Snohomish County, located in Edmonds, WA. The center provides safe, supportive housing for up to 45 individuals who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Clients have access to a range of on-site services, including case management, life skills training, and connections to healthcare and employment resources, all designed to support their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency. The center emphasizes a compassionate, community-focused approach, fostering an environment where clients can rebuild their lives with dignity, independence, and hope. Front Desk Associates serve as the first point of contact for clients and visitors, providing high-quality, culturally responsive, and consistent in-person and by-phone customer service in a diverse and busy environment. This role supports smooth office operations by handling calls, processing mail, monitoring access control, distributing supplies, and engaging guests. Front Desk Associates also provide resources and referrals to visitors and clients, contribute to maintaining office equipment, and act as first responders to on-site emergency situations. As the first YWCA representative clients and visitors encounter, a positive attitude and a professional appearance are essential, along with upholding the YWCA’s commitment to social justice and diversity. Full-time, part-time, and on-call positions are available. The front desk is open 24/7 - weekends, overnight, and holiday coverage is needed. Please include your specific availability in your application, including how many hours per week you're interested in working.Expectations of your role:Customer ServiceAnswer all incoming calls, direct them to appropriate departments, and take messagesEnsure the front desk lobby and all common areas are neat, clean, and sanitizedHelp prepare and distribute daily cold-prepared meals to clientsIncorporate the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by understanding how racism, sexism, classism, and other oppressions intersect and are embedded in institutionsTreat all visitors, clients, staff, and volunteers with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic background Safety and SecurityMaintain working knowledge of fire, safety and disaster plans related to emergency situations and conditions. Work collaboratively with the security team to secure the front lobby and computer areas, following all site protocols regarding building and client safetyAbility to de-escalate conflicts or crises between clients and/or other individuals and directs them to appropriate staff who can provide next steps Administrative DutiesManage deliveries, mail, and shipment arrivals in accordance with applicable proceduresUnderstand and follow all policies in the EDNSC Staff Handbook as well as other YWCA policies and proceduresMaintain confidentiality, discretion and professionalism by not discussing staff, clients, or visitors with others The duties listed above are representative of the essential functions of the position. Other duties may be assigned as neededMust have's to be successful:Must be at least 18 years old to applyMust have a high school diploma or GED, plus 3 years in a customer service facing roleAbility to work with the public, clients, and people in crisis; minimum (1) year of experience working in a social service setting preferredExperience working in environments serving vulnerable populations (e.g., individuals experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, or low-income communities)Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to interact respectfully with people of diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, LGBTQ+, and differently-abled backgroundsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-traffic environmentMust maintain professional boundaries at all timesAbility to adapt to changing schedules or urgent priorities, including weekends, evenings, and on-call shiftsPositive, professional demeanor under stress, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict de-escalationBasic computer literacy with ability to use Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, and SharepointAbility to listen and respond appropriately to client and staff needs, concerns, and complaintsMaintain professional client/staff boundaries in accordance with YWCA PolicyHours, Rate, and BenefitsHourly Rate: $26.50Hours: 40 Hours per weekExcellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans. For more information about our benefits, please visit: YWCA Careers & Benefits InformationAt the time of hire, employees may enroll voluntarily in the Fidelity 403b PlanAfter two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement FundPhysical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In performing this position, the employee:Continuously exchanges information through listening and talking with clients, agency staff, volunteers, and individuals in the communityContinuously repetitive use of hands and wrists handling, grasping and reaching in using computers, telephones, fax machines and other office equipmentContinuously sitting, often for extended periods while performing desktop activitiesWalking around the facility and occasional standing in performing dutiesFrequently lifts and carries up to 5 lbs. of paperwork, files, and materials, occasionally up to 40 lbs. of food, hygiene supplies, clothing or other itemsFrequently bends and stoops while obtaining files in lower drawersAbility to frequently move about the facility using the stairs and in emergent situations able to move about the facility quickly following emergency protocolsAll positions at YWCA of Seattle | King | Snohomish are exposed to clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc.  As a result, staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients * Continuously over 80% time; Frequently 20-80% time; and occasionally under 20% timeYWCA encourages applicants with a variety of experiences to apply!At YWCA, we recognize that lived expertise is a powerful asset. This refers to the insights, knowledge, and skills developed by those who have navigated systems and experienced inequity.Valuing lived expertise helps build trust with program participants, develop culturally responsive programs, and break down barriers to equity. It enriches our collective understanding and enhances our ability to serve communities that are furthest from opportunity.Mental Health ConsiderationsAll 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 EmploymentYWCA Seattle King Snohomish is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  To read more about this, view the EEO is the Law Poster and this EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.For more information Contact us at careers@ywcaworks.org with any questions or if you need accommodation for your application.