Kim Cooper, Human Services Coordinator     
Years with the city: 27 years–Court Clerk for 11 years, Domestic Violence Advocate for 11 years and Human Services Coordinator for six years

Why did you decide to take this specific position at SeaTac?
I am very much a people person and really enjoy helping people get the help and resources they need to be healthy, happy and successful in their lives.

What are your job duties?
Well, I wear a lot of hats to say the least! I help vulnerable adults, youth at risk, homeless people find homes and any other social service that’s needed out there. I manage the Minor Home repair program which helps residents with repairs in their homes so they can remain independent and safe. I also work with 39 different non-profit agencies that are funded by the City to assist with services such as rental assistance, counseling, childcare, medical, shelter, food and much more.  

How has your job changed in the time that you’ve been at the city?
This job changes daily and you never know what you’ll need to help someone with each day. With COVID-19 we had a lot of residents who lost their jobs and were at risk of losing their homes. There was a huge increase in requests for help with things like rental assistance, medical help, food, shelter childcare and just basic needs for the whole family. 

Why do you like what you do? 
I LOVE what I do!  It makes me SO happy to help people and to make them happy too. Just the little things about this job like, listening to an elderly person who is lonely and feeling sad because they can’t afford to fix something in their home or get to a medical appointment. Or a homeless family living in their car and trying to get their kids to school and a safe place to stay for the night. Or a student who is struggling at home and wanting to run away. To listen to these people and provide the resources they need to help them is what makes this job so rewarding.

What’s the best part of your job?
Helping people and being there to listen and understand what they are going though. I also like the community engagement piece of the job and learning the needs of the City.

What’s the hardest part of your job and why?
Not being able to take all the people in need home with me and care for them.

Published by cityofseatac