Emergency Services Specialist

For over 37 years, Hopelink has served homeless and low income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Hopelink's mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community; we help people make lasting changes.

General Statement:
Working with a large number of low-income clients on a daily basis to provide information about emergency program benefits and assistance with the program application; provide services to people with special needs; sensitivity to client's culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other social uniqueness; maintain client confidentiality. Maintain positive working relationship with fellow staff and other agencies. Enforce agency and program eligibility requirements.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Determines client eligibility for emergency assistance in such areas as food, housing, shelter and utility assistance. Enforces agency and program eligibility requirements.
• Responds to emergency situations as needed; provides guidance and advocacy to clients to meet immediate needs; makes referrals to other Hopelink programs and community resources as appropriate.
• Maintains records of all assistance and prepares required reports.
• Directs and supervises volunteers, greets donors, provides receipts for donated goods, makes referrals to other agencies as appropriate.
• Builds working relationships with area vendors (apartment complexes, motels, local utilities, etc.).
• Maintains positive working relationship with fellow staff and other agencies.
• Performs general administrative duties such as phone reception, mail, copying, filing, and ordering office supplies.
• Assists with food bank activities as needed; provides Basic Food Education and Outreach services as appropriate.
• Assists with seasonal programs (school supplies, holiday gift room, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications*:    

• AA degree in social services or related field.
• 2 years experience working with families in crisis.
• Knowledge of the social service network of organization throughout King County, as well as immediate community area helpful.
• Exceptional verbal, written and organizational skills required.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and effective decision-making skills to accomplish goals and creatively problem-solve issues.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Bi-lingual Spanish speaking skills preferred.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and reliable, personal transportation with personal liability insurance.
• Criminal history clearance through the Washington State Patrol required.

*An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be acceptable.