Lynnwood Emergency Shelter Coordinator

About VOAWW:

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 and lived experiences that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other. Volunteers of America Western Washington is officially a designated CARE trauma informed organization.

Benefits (Full time)

• Vacation and Sick Time: Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hours
• Competitive compensation
• Holidays: 8 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care
• Free Employee Assistance program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
• Professional Development opportunities

General Function:

The Lynnwood Emergency Shelter Coordinator provides direct services for the South County Motel/Hotel Voucher Program, funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Emergency Housing Fund (EHF). The position ensures timely access to temporary shelter, enrollment into Coordinated Entry, and effective pathways to permanent housing. The Coordinator also maintains compliance with program and funder requirements, builds strong community partnerships, be the main point of contact with motels/hotels, and contributes to system-wide goals of reducing homelessness in Snohomish County.

Principal Activities:

• Conduct comprehensive participant assessments and develop individualized housing stability plans.
• Connect households to permanent housing opportunities within program timelines while reducing average length of stay.
• Ensure households are enrolled into Coordinated Entry and administer the Fenn-Jorstad Self-Sufficiency Matrix at entry and exit, ensuring timely and accurate HMIS data entry.
• Provide participant-centered supportive services including rental barrier assessment, targeted housing search, landlord engagement, employment referrals, and access to mainstream resources.
• Maintain complete participant files to document eligibility, consents, assessments, housing stability plans, and services provided.
• Be the main point of contact with motel/hotel owners and management to ensure that billing and invoices are sent to VOAWW in accordance with financial timelines and contract requirements.
• Have a clear understanding of Foundational Community Supports (FCS), including supportive housing and supportive employment options, maintaining caseload of participants receiving these services; keep current on available trainings and professional development in FCS efforts at the County and State levels.
• Attend regular agency and program FCS check-ins and meetings and pass along information to the Housing Services leadership team.
• Monitor and track FCS billing for HousHousing and/or Employment services under Housing Services and expiring assessments and notify Wellpoint and leadership staff accordingly
• Collaborate with law enforcement, social workers, landlords, and community partners to ensure a strong continuum of care.
• Work directly with hotel and motel managers to coordinate participant stays, address concerns or conflicts promptly and professionally, and ensure smooth program operations.
• Obtain invoices and supporting documentation from hotel and motel partners in a timely and accurate manner, submitting them to VOAWW leadership and finance as required.
• Participate in regular program meetings, professional development, and training opportunities.
• Prepare and submit program reports in collaboration with the Shelter Services Program Manager.
• Engage the community to promote the program, build partnerships, and expand available housing resources.

Requirements:

• Education: Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent work experience may substitute for degree.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of professional experience in housing navigation, shelter coordination, and/or case management with individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge Base: Familiarity with Coordinated Entry, HMIS, FCS, trauma-informed care, and Housing First principles.
• Licenses/Other: Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Required Skills:

• Strong housing navigation skills, including landlord engagement, rental barrier reduction, and supportive housing placement.
• Proficiency in motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
• Skilled in trauma-informed care and strength-based approaches.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal) with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and populations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills with attention to compliance and data integrity.
• Ability to independently manage priorities, make sound decisions, and adapt to evolving program needs.
• Spanish bilingual strongly preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

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.