Pallet Shelter Case Manager at Volunteers Of America Western Washington

Description

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 Pallet Shelter Case Manager provides trauma-informed, strengths-based case management services to families residing in a non-congregate shelter setting. This position works to stabilize housing situations, support client-defined goals, and facilitate connections to community resources, benefits, and permanent housing. The Case Manager is also responsible for providing and documenting Foundational Community Supports (FCS) services in accordance with Medicaid billing requirements. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, and a deep understanding of the complexities of homelessness.

Principal Activities:

• Ensure that all individuals and households receiving services meet program eligibility requirements.
• Conduct intake assessments and develop individualized service plans for each household.
• Provide regular case management meetings and ongoing client engagement.
• Work with community partners, staff, and volunteers to provide basic needs items, hot meals, and/or resources for residents.
• Host community events at the pallet community to further engage residents and provide workshops.
• Provide intensive housing search and placement assistance, which includes the services and activities needed to assist participants in locating and obtaining suitable permanent housing.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships with property owners/landlords to help facilitate the placement of clients into safe, decent, and affordable permanent housing.
• Ensure clients understanding of rental agreements, housing policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with other departments and partner agencies to maximize participant outcomes, program goals, and agency mission.
• Support the physical and emotional safety of residents in shelter; assist children with problem-solving and managing conflicts.
• Advocate on behalf of survivors with community service providers.
• Provide crisis intervention and develop safety plans as necessary.
• Connect clients to employment, benefits, legal services, health care, and other supports.
• Engage with schools, courts, childcare providers, etc., to manage the needs and goals of households.
• Enroll eligible clients in the Foundational Community Supports program and provide Medicaid-billable supportive housing services.
• Maintain complete, timely, and accurate documentation in HMIS and other required platforms.
• Support shelter stability by assisting with move-in, orientation, and community expectations.
• Participate in weekly case conferencing and coordination with internal and external partners.
• Respond to critical incidents and support de-escalation efforts as needed.
• Maintain files in audit-ready condition and participate in internal and external file reviews.
• Develop proficiency in maintaining accurate client records in HMIS within the 5 – day timeline as required by Snohomish County. Specific proficiency includes entry of data into the client record, the editing of information as needed and the printing of reports within HMIS.
• Uphold VOAWW’s mission, values, and commitment to equity in all aspects of service delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field, or a combination of education and direct service experience.
• At least 1 year of experience working with children, youth, and families.
• Minimum of two (2) years of case management or related experience in housing, behavioral health, or social services.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass and maintain background clearance.
• Working knowledge of available housing, medical, and social service resources in Snohomish County.
• Work schedule is typically Monday-Friday, but hours and schedule may vary; evenings and weekends may be required. Staff participate in rotating shifts to accommodate weekend programmatic needs. Flexible working schedule is required.

• Preferred:

• Prior experience supporting or mentoring peers in a collaborative team setting.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language commonly spoken by shelter residents.
• Training in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, or crisis de-escalation.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse populations using a trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach.
• Familiarity with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and person-centered planning.
• Excellent documentation and time management skills.
• Knowledge of HMIS and/or other case management software systems.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and uphold ethical standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience or familiarity with Medicaid-billable services (Foundational Community Supports preferred).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Effect on End Results:

• Clients receive high-quality, consistent case management and access to necessary services.
• Program maintains compliance with contract and Medicaid documentation requirements.
• FCS and HMIS documentation support successful audits and reporting.
• The shelter environment remains safe, supportive, and conducive to progress toward housing.
• VOAWW maintains high standards of trauma-informed service delivery and program responsiveness.

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.