Family Advocate - Project Reunite

About the Role

The Family Advocate at YWCA Seattle King Snohomish contributes to supporting families in transitional housing who are involved with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) system. This role is centered on assisting families pursuing reunification while addressing challenges such as substance use disorders. The position requires full-time, onsite commitment at the program location in Lynnwood, WA, and plays an integral role in fostering family stability and self-sufficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes to establish eligibility for transitional housing programs.
• Provide structured, goal-focused case management with consistent weekly client engagement.
• Evaluate clients' physical, emotional, educational, and emergency needs to support overall stability.
• Assist clients in setting and achieving personal goals, including sobriety monitoring.
• Facilitate family reunification efforts by coordinating communication and resource planning.
• Help clients develop practical financial plans and household budgets, educating them on available resources.
• Ensure adherence to program guidelines and client expectations.
• Liaise with agencies and service providers to secure client income, housing, and stability.
• Maintain strong referral networks and advocate for client needs.
• Conduct exit interviews, follow-up case management, and outcome tracking for six months post-exit.
• Perform in-home visits within a multi-level apartment complex as necessary.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including records, statistics, and case notes.
• Participate in organizational meetings, phone screenings, intake interviews, and department initiatives.
• Handle property management tasks such as tenant screening, coordinating unit vacancies, maintenance requests, donations, and safety drills.
• Assist tenants with utility setups and schedule unit upkeep including cleaning and repairs.

Required Qualifications

• At least two years of direct social service experience with low-income or homeless families.
• Knowledge of affordable housing resources in Snohomish County.
• Valid Washington State driver's license, reliable transportation, and insurance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with sound judgment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and record-keeping capabilities.
• Dedication to diversity and working with homeless families.

Preferred Experience

• Background in crisis intervention, domestic violence, child abuse, substance use, mental health support, welfare rights, case management, sexual assault assistance, employment services, or child development.
• Experience working in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or residential settings.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This role requires 100% onsite presence with ability to navigate multi-level residential buildings.
• Physical activities include prolonged sitting or standing, occasional lifting up to 30 pounds, bending, reaching, kneeling, and traveling between sites.
• Ability to respond promptly in emergencies, use standard office equipment, and work under environmental conditions such as noise or odors.

Compensation and Benefits

• Non-exempt hourly wage of $28.00, 40 hours per week.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, retirement plans with employer contribution after two years, and generous leave policies.

Mental Health and Diversity Commitment

The organization acknowledges that employees may experience secondary trauma due to client backgrounds involving various hardships. Support and self-care are encouraged. YWCA values lived experience and cultural responsiveness to enhance equity and community trust.

Equal Opportunity

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.