Case Manager Lead, Res Specialist

YMCA Of Greater Seattle•Seattle, WA

29d•Onsite

About The Position

Supports low-income youth and young adults who may have experience in foster care, homelessness, disconnection from school, juvenile justice and/or other systems in developing the skills to live independently. Provides program coordination, operational support and staff supervision. Assists program directors in advancing program and operational goals. Provides program participants with a welcoming and supportive environment. This position is at the Social Impact Center Y, the social services branch of YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS). The mission of the Social Impact Center Y is to accelerate young people’s ability to build safe, successful, and happy lives. Every year, we serve 5,000 children, youth, young adults, and families across King County with programs that aim to strengthen young people’s ability to develop to their fullest potential through four strategies: reducing risk factors; navigating systems towards successful life transition; ensuring stability, safety and wellness in times of crisis; and building competencies and social capital. The Social Impact Center Y’s programs include housing, behavioral health, foster care licensing, violence prevention, education, and employment. Many of the young people we serve have had involvement in the foster care, criminal justice system, and/or homelessness systems. This position is part of the Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) Voucher project awarded to King County and Seattle Housing authorities with guaranteed funding through October 2027. This Lead Case Manager position will be working in collaboration with Social Impact Center case managers and the housing authorities to support eligible youth in navigating through the voucher application and lease up process. This role will lead outreach efforts, building referral networks across King County, strengthening partnerships with youth-serving organizations and engaging landlords and property managers to identify eligible tenants. The role will also function as the landlord liaison by: Building and maintaining relationships with property owners and managers Educate landlords on the benefits of renting to FYI participants Maintain a list of voucher-friendly units, especially those with utilities included or reduced screening barriers Streamline the RFTA and lease-up process Mediates landlord-tenant concerns as needed Additionally, the Lead Case Manager will manage a small caseload of participants with higher barriers, as well as provide backup support for lease ups during periods of high referral volume.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, administration or related field or equivalent experience, Masters preferred. Other applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
Minimum three years of experience working with teens or young adults in foster care, group care, housing, education, juvenile justice, anti-poverty, vocational support, mental health, chemical dependency and/or homelessness fields.
Knowledge of the housing landscape and systems, including tenant law, in King County.
Ability to teach effective independence skills for a variety of learning styles and to plan supportive activities.
Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including skills in coaching and giving/receiving feedback.
Strong organizational skills.
Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Current state approved First Aid and CPR certification.
Current approved HIV blood borne pathogens training.
Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
Within 30 days of employment or first available training.

Nice To Haves

Minimum one year of experience supervising employees or full-time interns, volunteers or national service members (AmeriCorps, etc.).

Responsibilities

Build referral network for eligible FYI referrals in the community as well as maintain an outreach tracker and develop tailored outreach materials—such as flyers, presentations, FAQs, and email/text templates—customized for different audiences.
Outreach will include connecting with five organizations monthly and conducting at least two presentations or events per month.
Support in onboarding and training of new Voucher Specialists
Creates and maintains specialized resource library. Maintain a list of voucher-friendly units, especially those with utilities included or reduced screening barriers
Educate local landlords on benefits of renting to FYI voucher holders
Work directly with landlords in the community to secure housing for young adults. This includes a knowledge of the leasing process and tenant rights.
Mediates landlord-tenant concerns as needed for all enrolled FYI participants
Carries small caseload of higher-barrier participants
Conduct outreach to eligible participants using all available methods (calls, texts, emails, and outreach to supports) and complete intake meetings outlining the FYI program.
Assist participants with gathering required documentation (e.g., ID, proof of income, citizenship/immigration status) and can use client assistance funds to replace missing documents for participants and household members.
Complete the voucher applications with the participants, using secure tools like Adobe Sign for electronic signatures. During processing, the Case Manager liaises with the housing authority to track progress, respond to inquiries, and resolve documentation issues.
Provides specialized services to youth and young adults in obtaining and maintaining housing including related life skills such as financial empowerment and employment/career development.
Help young adults navigate the housing landscape in public markets and working through other housing related barriers.
Build strong relationships with Y program participants to effectively provide quality services.
Teams effectively and collaboratively with YMCA staff and/or community partners including housing program and systems and CEA to plan and facilitate activities, including visits to related resources in the community.
Develops individualized, strengths-based, youth-driven service plans.
Must understand contract/grant terms and conditions to ensure program outcome requirements are met and services rendered to young adults appropriately
Maintains clear, professional, timely participant contact notes, service plans, progress updates, outcomes, and other documentation in designated databases.
Attends all YSIC Leadership Team meetings, as well as all FYI and/or DCYF Housing meetings.
May assist with program coordination or other activities related to housing focus.
May be expected to provide transportation for participants utilizing community services. Mileage expenses can be reimbursed.
Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.