Coordinated Entry & Outreach Specialist

Volunteers Of America Western Washington•Mount Vernon, WA

5d•$27 - $30

About The Position

Volunteers of America is a nonprofit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Its Christian roots drive the organization to put its faith into action for the benefit of the community, while celebrating perspectives that help serve and uplift community members and colleagues. The Coordinated Entry & Outreach Specialist serves as an alternate point of contact for Skagit County community members who face barriers to enrolling in Coordinated Entry. The position helps connect households experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to the Housing Interest Pool (HIP), providing individualized support virtually, in person at partner agencies, or during scheduled appointments. The specialist also supports outreach to people and households experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, substance use challenges, and other life difficulties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, public administration, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Knowledge of Skagit County Coordinated Entry programs and eligibility criteria.
Familiarity with housing resources, subsidy programs, and barriers faced by vulnerable households.
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and the ability to learn new databases.
Commitment to ongoing training and professional development.
Reliable transportation for outreach throughout Skagit County and attendance at in-person meetings in Everett.
Ability to multitask, including navigating computer programs while communicating with clients.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism during conflict or crisis situations, and escalate concerns appropriately.
Sensitivity to the needs of individuals experiencing housing instability.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with staff at all levels and individuals from various backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Assist clients with enrollment in the Housing Interest Pool (HIP) and connect households at risk of homelessness with eviction prevention resources as needed.
Use VOA’s resource database to connect clients with appropriate community resources, including affordable housing, mental health services, substance use treatment, food banks, and other services.
Assist clients with applying for Basic Food benefits through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
Perform administrative tasks, including document processing and data entry in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records, including assessments, check-ins, and case notes.
Respond to inquiries from the collaborative Skagit Coordinated Entry email account, fulfill requests for documentation or information, and escalate concerns to management as needed.
Follow up with clients to encourage continued engagement with the Coordinated Entry system.
Accept referrals from Community Resource Specialists, community service organizations, community colleges, law enforcement, fire departments, food banks, religious organizations, and other partners.
Conduct outreach at community-based organizations to facilitate referrals and improve access for individuals who face barriers to services.
Participate in community meetings, partner engagements, and outreach events to support Coordinated Entry collaboration and VOA visibility.