Shelter Life Coach

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish•Seattle, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary responsibility of the Shelter Life Coach is to serve families experiencing homelessness by providing time-limited emergency shelter, along with enhanced services focused on employment, support with housing search and placement to help secure permanent housing. Shelter is provided in the form of hotels/motels or individual shelter units. The enhanced services include, but are not limited to, landlord liaison activities, financial coaching, and housing counseling. This position will work closely with the Housing Program Manager to implement new housing and employment strategies aimed at linking housing case management and employment services with the goal of making progress toward living-wage employment and housing stability. This position supports the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by understanding how racism, sexism, classism and other oppressions play out in institutions and systems. Knowing the core principles of antiracism work and grounding those principles in everyday social service practices are required job skills and core values of the YWCA. As an equal opportunity employer, we highly encourage people of color to apply.

Requirements

At least (2) years of direct social service experience , including (1) year working with low-income and/or homeless families and/or victims of domestic violence OR Bachelor’s Degree with at least (1) year of direct social service experience working with low income and/or homeless families.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills of basic computer competencies such as emailing, calendaring, entry-level data entry and familiarity with Microsoft Office products.
Knowledge of available resources in Seattle-King County for low income/homeless families.
Knowledge of mental health, drug and alcohol issues preferred.
Experience working with communities of color and people from different cultures than your own.
Must have valid Washington State Driver License, personal vehicle , insurance, and an acceptable driving record. (No more than 2 moving violation within a year period and no accidents within 3 years.)
Ability and willingness to work independently and as a part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Strong working knowledge of best practices of service navigation, for families, through a culturally responsive lens.

Responsibilities

Conduct a thorough family assessment using screening, intake and placement of emergency housing families as assigned by the Housing Program Manager.
Work in partnership with YWCA Employment Services staff to create a family development plan.
Meet weekly with assigned families to coordinate service delivery, aid in overcoming barriers to housing, assist in navigating the social service system and evaluate progress in meeting goals.
Serve as a liaison for the agency with partnering hotels/motels.
Participate in life skill classes for the clients.
Stock emergency housing units with hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies and household items.
Actively participate in regular supervisory and team or unit meetings.
Work internally with other YWCA departments (e.g., Children and Youth Services, Gender Based Violence Intervention and Prevention, Economic Advancement, Health and Safety) to provide seamless service provision.
Create external connections with other culturally responsive social service providers or institutions (e.g., public schools, medical providers, government institutions) to ensure seamless service provision.
Actively engages in agency-wide Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), and strives for racially equitable outcomes; takes responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming community by making room for people of color, trans and gender-non-conforming folks, and other populations who routinely encounter systemic oppressions.