Shelter Life Coach

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish • Tukwila, WA

99d • Onsite

About The Position

The Shelter Life Coach works alongside families experiencing homelessness as they pursue stable housing and greater self-sufficiency. The role provides compassionate, strengths-based support to help participants navigate barriers, connect with resources, and reach housing and employment goals. Participants stay in emergency shelter settings that may include hotels, motels, and individual shelter units. Individualized coaching focuses on securing permanent housing as quickly as possible and may include housing search and placement, landlord engagement, financial coaching, employment support, and referrals to community resources that promote long-term stability.

The Shelter Life Coach works closely with the Housing Program Manager and an interdisciplinary team to implement housing and employment strategies that strengthen the connection between housing stability and living-wage employment. The role also collaborates with YWCA programs and community partners to provide coordinated support for families. Work takes place across office, shelter, hotel, motel, and community settings, with travel throughout King and Snohomish counties potentially accounting for up to 50% of the work schedule. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt position.

Requirements

• At least two years of direct social service experience, including one year working with low-income and/or homeless families and/or victims of domestic violence; OR a bachelor's degree and at least one year of direct social service experience working with low-income and/or homeless families.
• Basic computer competencies, including email, calendaring, entry-level data entry, and familiarity with Microsoft Office products.
• Knowledge of available resources in Seattle-King County for low-income and homeless families.
• Experience working with communities of color and people from cultures different from one’s own.
• Valid Washington State driver license, personal vehicle, insurance, and an acceptable driving record: no more than two moving violations within a one-year period and no accidents within three years.
• Ability and willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
• Core competencies: initiative, collaboration, achieving measurable results, ethics and integrity, problem solving, race and social justice advocacy, and fostering diversity.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of mental health, drug, and alcohol issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive family assessments, including screening, intake, and placement into emergency shelter.
• Partner with YWCA Employment Services staff to develop individualized family development plans addressing housing stability and employment goals.
• Meet regularly with assigned families to provide coaching, coordinate services, connect participants with community resources, address barriers to permanent housing, and support progress toward goals.
• Apply housing navigation and case management best practices using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches.
• Facilitate life skills classes and educational workshops focused on housing stability, financial independence, and long-term success.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with partner hotels and motels to support shelter operations and families’ experiences.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, case consultations, and ongoing professional development.
• Collaborate with YWCA colleagues, including staff in Children and Youth Services, Gender Based Violence Intervention and Prevention, Economic Advancement, and Health and Safety, to coordinate holistic family support.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, government agencies, landlords, employers, and other community organizations.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case documentation in accordance with agency, funder, and program requirements.
• Participate in the YWCA's Race and Social Justice Initiative and incorporate equity and anti-racism principles into work with participants, colleagues, and community partners.
• Travel throughout King and Snohomish counties to meet with participants, landlords, community partners, and service providers.

Benefits

• Medical insurance.
• Retirement plan, with eligibility for the YWCA Retirement Fund subject to hours-worked requirements and plan provisions.
• Generous vacation leave.
• Holiday leave.
• Sick leave.

What This Job Offers

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