Downtown Safety Ambassador

The Metropolitan Improvement District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position
Downtown Ambassador – Safety Team

Department
Clean and Safe Team

Reporting Relationship
Safety Supervisor

Status
Full time, Non-Exempt, 40 hours per week

Overview
The role of Downtown Safety Ambassador requires a unique combination of skills. Ambassadors must demonstrate strong communication, de-escalation and conflict resolution skills, a caring and compassionate approach to their work, and a customer service focus. During a shift, Safety Ambassadors will engage with a wide range of situations, to include providing support for individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health issues, educating people regarding civility ordinances, interacting with business owners and residents, and assisting tourists who need directions to the Pike Place Market. To succeed in this role, a candidate must possess the resiliency to maintain a calm and professional demeanor through the highs and lows of the day. This may be the most challenging and rewarding job you will ever love.

Work is conducted outdoors year-round in downtown Seattle, during all weather conditions. Our service hours are from 7:30am until 9:30pm, 7 days a week. Set schedules are either four 10-hour shifts or five 8-hour shifts.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrol on bicycle a designated zone of the downtown core and provide a variety of support services to members of the public.

• Acting with respect and dignity, approach and wake people who are sleeping in business doorways or in the public right-of-way.

• Build relationships with people experiencing homelessness to check on their wellbeing and assist in connecting them with services.

• Serve as an ambassador for downtown Seattle by creating a positive experience for all.

• Use courtesy, tact, and good judgement in working with members of the public.

• Provide directions, maps, handouts and information to tourists, visitors, residents, and local businesses.

• When it is safe to do so, approach people engaging in specific civility ordinance violations, assess and inform them of the violation, and encourage voluntary observance of the ordinances when appropriate.

• Build relationships with downtown businesses to share information and assist with problem-solving.

• Utilize computer and hand-held mobile device to collect data and track daily work activities.

• Work on special assignments both as individuals and as part of a team.

• Represent MID/DSA at special events in a positive and professional manner.

Qualifications

Must be able to work outdoors in all weather, spending the majority of time riding a two-wheeled bicycle. Must be able to lift 40 pounds and be able to hear and write in English.

• Bike riding skills: Ride a bicycle for full work shifts outdoors, in all weather. *Must pass a bicycle riding assessment with an emphasis on low riding speeds.

• Knowledge of (and willingness to learn) how to interact with people affected by mental health and substance abuse issues.

• Time management skills and self-discipline to work independently and remain on task without constant supervision.

• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. English required; additional language proficiencies a plus.

• Collaborative mindset to work as part of a team, toward achievement of shared goals.

• Customer service focus; previous experience preferred but not required.

• Ability to problem solve, exercise judgement, and make sound decisions.

• Level-headed demeanor and a demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure in an often fast-paced and changing environment.

• Drug screen and background check will be performed upon hire.

Compensation
Starts at $16.00. Exceptional benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, 401k retirement plan and annual ORCA pass with full-time status.

To Apply
Send resumes to ambassadorjobs@downtownseattle.org. No phone calls please.

Send resumes to ambassadorjobs@downtownseattle.org