Resource Navigator and Rental Assistance Specialist

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish • Lynnwood, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

A stable home can change what is possible for a person or family. As YWCA’s Resource Navigator and Rental Assistance Specialist, you will help people facing homelessness find a path forward and help Lynnwood renters stay in their homes when a financial crisis puts their housing at risk. This full time position is evenly divided between two areas of work. As a Resource Navigator, you will listen to participants’ goals, complete coordinated entry assessments, develop housing action plans, and connect people with services that fit their needs. In the rental assistance program, you will guide eligible Lynnwood households through the application process, work with landlords and property managers, coordinate assistance payments, and follow up to support lasting housing stability. You will bring a strengths based, trauma informed, and culturally responsive approach to every interaction. Your work will help people make informed choices during difficult moments and advance YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. This position is fully onsite at YWCA’s Pathways Emergency Shelter in Lynnwood.

Requirements

• Experience in housing navigation, rental assistance, homelessness prevention, case management, or closely related human services work. Relevant lived experience and transferable skills will be considered.
• Ability to assess housing needs, explain requirements clearly, build trust with participants, and work effectively with landlords and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in eligibility review, documentation, data entry, and tracking of assistance funds.
• Knowledge of Snohomish County resources, coordinated entry, HMIS, fair housing, and rental assistance programs, or ability to learn them promptly.
• Commitment to antiracism, trauma informed practice, harm reduction, confidentiality, and culturally responsive service.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office and case management databases; ability to travel among work sites and community locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to inquiries and referrals; meet with individuals and families to assess immediate needs, strengths, housing barriers, and service options.
• Complete coordinated entry and other applicable assessments; explain data sharing, obtain informed consent, and arrange alternatives when a participant opts out.
• Work with participants to develop practical, participant led housing and self sufficiency plans, using motivational interviewing and measurable goals where helpful.
• Connect participants with housing, shelter, benefits, behavioral health, food, employment, and other community resources; coordinate warm referrals with partners and YWCA teams.
• Maintain timely case notes, assessments, referrals, and outcomes in HMIS and other required systems; safeguard confidential information.
• Help track navigation related flexible funds and document uses according to grant and YWCA requirements.
• Receive and review rental assistance applications for households residing in rental units within Lynnwood city limits; verify income at or below 60% of area median income and all other eligibility criteria under the final contract and program procedures.
• Collect and review required documents, including proof of residence, income, rent obligation, balance due, and landlord or property manager information; identify missing information and communicate decisions clearly.
• Assess the housing crisis and collaborate with each household on a realistic plan to remain housed, including referrals and follow up services that support longer term stability.
• Communicate with landlords and property managers to confirm amounts due, payment arrangements, and the steps needed to prevent housing loss; maintain professional and impartial relationships.
• Prepare accurate assistance requests and payment records for review and approval under YWCA controls; monitor committed and spent funds so assistance stays within the approved budget and allowable uses.
• Track applications, decisions, assistance amounts, payment status, referrals, and housing outcomes; provide timely, accurate information for funder reports and program improvement.
• Provide accessible, respectful services across cultures, languages, abilities, and family structures; arrange interpretation and other access supports as needed.
• Coordinate with community organizations, first responders, housing providers, and other partners when appropriate and authorized by participants.
• Protect participant privacy, follow YWCA policies and grant requirements, and raise eligibility, safety, fiscal, or service concerns promptly.
• Participate in supervision, training, program meetings, and service quality reviews; support outreach and other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Generous vacation
• Holiday leave
• Sick leave plans
• Outstanding retirement plan
• Fidelity 403b Plan
• YWCA Retirement Fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed