Case Manager Lead, Res Specialist

Our Commitment to Equity
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

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.

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Retirement with generous employer contributions
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

Hiring Range: $29.00-34.00/hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm

• 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.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. Knowledge of the housing landscape and systems, including tenant law, in King County. 
4. Ability to teach effective independence skills for a variety of learning styles and to plan supportive activities.
5. Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills.
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including skills in coaching and giving/receiving feedback.
7. Strong organizational skills.
8. Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
9. Current state approved First Aid and CPR certification.*
10. Current approved HIV blood borne pathogens training.*
11. 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.

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.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

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

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you:

• Thrive on working in a collaborative environment
• Are very adaptable
• Have high ownership and strong work ethic
• Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet
• Truly enjoy being of service to people
• Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together
• Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all

At the Seattle Y, we are an inclusive organization of people with a shared commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility. We also believe in supporting the wellbeing of our employees and offer a free Y membership as a benefit of employment. 

Become a leader on our team at the YMCA of Greater Seattle where we promote a continuous learning environment and career opportunities. 

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace; all job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to recruiting@seattleymca.org.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

OUR VALUES:

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence