Volunteers of America Western Washington is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other.
The primary goal of the Homelessness Prevention program is to address certain needs in the community resulting from financial hardships and to prevent homelessness by paying past due, current, and future rent to landlords for eligible clients. The Homelessness Prevention Coordinator I will assist clients with case management services and possible endangerment of current and/or future housing while providing excellent customer service to both landlords and program participants.
Bachelor’s degree in conflict resolution, social work, psychology, communications, or social services preferred. In lieu of degree, additional and adequate work experience is acceptable.
Experience working with families and individuals in crisis.
Effective organizational skills, and attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated conflict resolution, communication, and negotiation skills.
Ability to stay neutral when conciliating and working with parties.
Knowledge and skill in clinical/safety assessment and intervention and safety planning.
Computer literacy, including high proficiency in MS Office programs and data management systems.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize and work independently/remotely, and in the office as needed.
Knowledge of human services in Snohomish County is preferred.
Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively with staff, landlords and program participants.
Effective performance in this role ensures that clients at risk of homelessness receive individualized support and referrals to the resources and services necessary to achieve and maintain housing stability. Through effective case management, landlord collaboration, financial assistance, and ongoing assessment, clients are better equipped to overcome barriers, understand housing responsibilities, and retain stable housing. Accurate documentation, coordinated services, and consistent follow-up strengthen client outcomes, promote long-term housing retention, and support the agency’s mission of preventing homelessness.
Accept referrals of clients from the Coordinated Entry Support Specialist.
Provide and refer clients to resources including landlord negotiation, behavioral health support, benefits, employment connection, housing stability, tenancy support, and other client stability services based on client needs while completing referral and informed consent documentation.
Develop strong collaborative relationships with landlords and property owners.
Utilize mediation, conciliation, and negotiation skills to explore all possible solutions to maintain housing.
Ensure clients understand rental agreements, housing policies, and procedures by working closely with the Renter Certification program that aims to increase education on landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities.
Collaborate with other departments and partner agencies to maximize participant outcomes, program goals, and agency mission.
Maintain strict confidentiality of client information, including payment related data and eligibility documentation, in conformance with related policies and procedures.
Participate in meetings as requested by supervisor.
Meet with clients in person as needed.
Develop, monitor, and update an initial service and future action plans specifically tailored to the client needs identified during initial intake assessment/screening process.
Utilize a Progressive Engagement Approach to identify client strengths, needs, and barriers to provide individualized, flexible assistance based on the level of support needed to achieve and maintain housing stability.
Determine and recommend the level and duration of financial assistance for eligible participants while developing income increase strategies, money management, employability, and wage progression.
Implement graduated rental assistance structuring support to gradually decrease as clients increase income, resources, and self-sufficiency, while ensuring a planned transition toward independent housing stability.
Complete chronological progress notes within 24 hours of contact with client or collateral encounter and enter case notes in a timely manner as required in HMIS and Extended Reach.
Timely completion of Fenn-Jorstad Self-Sufficiency Matrix to assess participants’ sufficiency level across multiple life domains.
Complete assessments for housing retention and long-term stability during this program participation, and after graduation.
Perform related duties as assigned.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.
