Case Manager - Fostering Youth Independence bei YMCA of Greater Seattle

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

This position is part of the Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) Voucher project awarded to King County and Seattle Housing authorities with guaranteed funding for two years. This resource specialist position will be working in collaboration with Social Impact Center case managers and the housing authorities to support youth exiting the foster care system by providing individualized support throughout the voucher application, housing search, and lease-up process. Services are delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person meetings, based on participant preference and need.

This full time position will support eligible young people ages 18-25 through every step of the housing search, including:

• Creating a personalized apartment list based on preferences
• Coordinating and attending apartment tours
• Covering application and holding fees with client assistance funds
• Educating and advocating with landlords
• Supporting landlords with RFTA and voucher-related questions
• Following up on unit inspections
• Assisting with move-in logistics and being present at move-in
• Coordinating payment of deposits, administrative fees, and utility setup

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 Will 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) 

• Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services. 

* Some benefits only available to full-time staff 

Hiring Range: $24.00 – $27.00/hr

• 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.
• Work directly with landlords in the community to secure housing for young adults. This includes a knowledge of the leasing process and tenant rights.
• 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.
• 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.
• Researches best practices in field; creates and maintains specialized resource library.
• Participates in YMCA annual fundraising campaign to engage community members in volunteerism and philanthropic support for the Y mission.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Code of Conduct for Applicants 

1. Bachelor's degree* in psychology, social work or related social services 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. Experience working with teens or young adults in employment, foster care, group care, housing, education, juvenile justice, anti-poverty, vocational support, mental health, chemical dependency and/or homelessness fields.
3. Ability to teach effective independence skills for a variety of learning styles and to plan supportive activities.
4. Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills.
5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
6. Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
7. Ability to transport self and client(s) in a safe and effective manner, and to meet clients at community locations; proof of adequate vehicle insurance coverage is required, or ability to travel to areas without public transportation.
8. Current state approved First Aid and CPR certification.**
9. Current approved HIV blood borne pathogens training.**
10. 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.

* Some Case Manager positions required Bachelor's degree or higher.

** Within 30 days of employment or first available training.

Authorized Driver Requirement

This safety-sensitive role requires transporting clients as “authorized drivers” for the Y using your own vehicle. To meet this requirement, you must be age 21+, have a valid driver's license for at least three years and possessing a driving record that meets Y standards (no more than two moving violations within the last three years, no significant incidents such as reckless driving, DUI/DWI, no tickets 20+ miles above the speed limit etc. within 5 years) and proof of current auto insurance, and current vehicle registration is required. You must also pass a drug screen that will test for impairing substances, including marijuana.

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. 

OUR MISSION 

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 

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. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check in accordance with Washington's Fair Chance Act. Please download and review the below resources for more information: 

(i) The updated 2025 requirements of 49.94.010: 

https://seattleymca.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=251099&hashed=1503034877 

(ii) The WA attorney general's Washington fair chance act guide for employers and job applicants: 

https://seattleymca.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=251100&hashed=74689660 

If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to [email protected].