What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Stability Specialist position at YWCA Seattle King Snohomish?
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 primary responsibility of the Housing Stability Specialist is to work closely with individuals and families residing in the City of Seattle and/or King County who are experiencing instability and at risk of losing their housing. This short-term housing intervention is intended to connect program participants in crisis situations to supportive services to help ensure success in maintaining permanent housing. Services provided include, but are not limited to landlord liaison activities, financial coaching, housing counseling and connecting participants to community resources. This position will collaborate closely with the Housing Program Manager to develop and implement innovative housing and employment strategies. The primary focus will be on integrating housing case management with employment services to help participants achieve living-wage employment and long-term housing stability.
Additionally, this role supports the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by addressing how racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression manifest within institutions and systems. A strong understanding of anti-racism principles and the ability to apply these principles in daily social service practices are essential skills and core values for this position. As an equal opportunity employer, we highly encourage people of color to apply.
Expectations of your role:
- Screen applicants for rental assistance need and eligibility
- Provide links to housing and housing stability resources
- Meet with applicants as needed to assist with the program eligibility, application process, housing search or other resources related to establishing housing stability (e.g. TANF, unemployment benefits, etc.)
- Assess the strengths and challenges of the family and assist them with developing housing stability goals and individual goal plans, and action steps.
- Collaborate with property management and/or landlords to negotiate payment plans and prevent eviction
- Provide or ensure provision of support services, as needed
- Provide referral and connection to supportive services, such as chemical dependency treatment, mental health counseling, domestic violence advocacy, etc.
- Conduct Housing Habitability standard inspection for new Move Ins
- Accurately and thoroughly document the performance of all tasks listed above in the client's file.
- Help with administrative support of the program through regular reporting and accurate record keeping as directed
- Participate on occasional outreach activities to boost participant enrollment
- Participate in regular check-in meetings with supervisor and other identified meetings and/or trainings to increase professional knowledge
- Adhere to all Volunteer Services protocol relative to volunteer usage, recognition and monitoring.
- Assure that clients, staff, volunteers and community partners are treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic background.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Must have's to be successful:
- BA in social services or related field and/or 3 years related experience working with persons with disabilities, first time support service seekers and low-income individuals and families
- Comfortable working knowledge of and experience with computers
- Ability and willingness to work as part of team and independently
- Values diversity and provides culturally competent services
- Experience working with communities of color and people from different cultures than your own
- Demonstrated understanding of the intersection of racism and poverty
- One-year experience working in crises intervention and/or the public/nonprofit-housing sector preferred
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational and record keeping skills
- Knowledge of barrier elimination strategies and maintaining housing stability for families and individuals
- Experience advocating for persons with housing needs, chemical dependency, physical and /or mental health issues, domestic violence and criminal history
- Knowledge of housing resources in Seattle and/or King County, Landlord/Tenant Laws and Fair Housing Regulations in Seattle and King County
- Valid Washington state driver’s license, reliable vehicle and insurance for travel throughout Seattle
- Core Competencies: Attention to detail, fostering diversity, customer service, discernment/judgment, problem solving, planning and organizing, finance, technical expertise, race and social justice advocacy
Hours, Rate, and Benefits
- Hourly Rate: $26.50
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans
- 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
Physical Requirements
- Continuously stands, walks, sits, and climbs in performing duties
- Continuously reaches and grasps in using telephones, computers, and in general operations
- Frequently lifts and carries up to 5 lbs. of paperwork, files, and materials
- Occasionally travels to other sites
- Continuously over 80% time, Frequently 20-80% time, and Occasionally under 20% time
#LI-Onsite
YWCA 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 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 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.
Salary : $27
