RAP Housing Assessor

Why work with YWCA Seattle King Snohomish?

YWCA SKS is the region’s largest non-profit organization with a 120+ year legacy, focused on the needs of women, with programs serving 7,000 people each year. When you work with YWCA, you make a difference.

We’re women and BIPOC-led, family-centered, and supportive of employees. As a full-time YWCA employee (30+ hours), you’ll enjoy a benefits package including medical insurance, generous vacation, holiday, sick leave plans, and an outstanding retirement plan. Put your passion for racial equity and social justice to work – apply today!

What You'll Do

The King County Regional Access Point (RAP) Housing Assessor is responsible for completing Coordinated Entry for All (CEA) intake and housing assessments with youth, single adults, and families experiencing homelessness. The Housing Assessor will be focused on the South King County area but will also engage in mobile assessments throughout the larger King County region.

This position has a social justice component that will require critical thinking about how external systems impact the work that we are doing through the lens of racism and intersections with poverty. Knowing the core principles of antiracism and grounding those principles in everyday work, as well as working well in non-white environments and championing anti-racism policy, are required job skills and core values. As an equal-opportunity employer, we highly encourage people of color to apply.

• Apply a lens of intersectional equity and racial justice at the systems level and the day-to-day work, including but not limited to the execution of assigned responsibilities and duties
• Operate as initial contact for Coordinated Entry for All (CEA) regional access point and communicate eligibility criteria for housing placement through CEA
• Schedule and conduct housing assessments with clients entering the CEA system, in-person or over the phone, utilizing other required tools of the assessment
• As needed and/or in coordination with the King County RAP Housing Navigator, engage in creative solution-making and diversion strategies that could reinstate housing stability without utilizing the CEA system for clients experiencing homelessness
• Communicate with clients about the next steps and engage in resource referrals, as appropriate, after completing a housing assessment
• Practice culturally appropriate, client-driven, assets-based, and trauma-informed strategies in assessment, engagement, and advocacy efforts
• Participate and engage in case conferences, meetings, and/or consultations, as requested
• Assist program staff in keeping reference and referral materials current
• Complete reports and assist with administrative tasks as needed
• Implement all work by incorporating the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by understanding how racism, sexism, classism and other oppressions intersect and are embedded in all institutions and systems. Recognize that solving racism is the root of how we understand and heal from these –isms.
• Show demonstrated ability to interact with people of different cultures.
• Continue search for understanding of racial, gender and class equity.
• Adhere to all Volunteer Services protocol relative to volunteer usage, recognition and monitoring. Work alongside volunteers, where applicable. Understand where internalized oppressions (superiority and inferiority) play a role in volunteer and client interaction and know ways to address these oppressions from a solutions-based perspective.
• Assure that volunteers are treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic background. Understand how racism has played a role in defining what respect and dignity is and use racial equity and multiracial perspectives when teaming with volunteers.

• Two years of clerical experience or service delivery in the social service field, including one year of experience working with low-income, homeless, and diverse populations

• Associate’s Degree with at least one year of direct social service experience in working with low-income, homeless, and diverse populations

• Commitment to intersectional equity and racial and social justice
• Commitment to working with homeless individuals/families and providing specialized advocacy for individuals/families of color
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and support people of different cultures and backgrounds with respect and dignity
• Engaged in a continued search for understanding of equity and access across the lines of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, and other facets of identity
• Experience working with communities of color
• Demonstrated understanding of the intersection of racism and poverty
• Knowledge about social services and resources related to housing, employment, education, and health
• Good oral and written communication skills, organizational and record-keeping skills
• Ability and willingness to work independently and as part of a team to make sound judgments without direct supervision
• High level of computer proficiency with MS Office
• High level of proficiency with multiple-line phone systems, cellular phones, and video calling
• Demonstrated ability to perform at a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively under timelines and deadlines
• Access to a vehicle with a valid permit and insurance
• Core competencies expected: Achievement; Collaboration; Communication; Customer Service; Discernment/Judgment; Fostering Diversity; Initiative; Innovation; Interpersonal skills; Planning & Organizing; Problem Solving; Race & Social Justice Advocacy

• Continuously exchanges information through listening and talking with clients, agency staff, employers, representatives of community organizations, and other individuals in the community
• Frequently stands, walks, sits, and climbs in performing duties in the office and in traveling to off-site meetings
• Frequently reaches and grasps in using telephones, computers, fax machines, and other office equipment and supplies
• Frequently lifts and carries up to 5 lbs. of paperwork, files, and training materials, occasionally up to 40 lbs.
• Frequently to occasionally performs close work while updating files, reading program information, and using computer
• Occasionally kneels, bends, pushes, and pulls in obtaining files in drawers

#LI-Onsite 

YWCA encourages applicants with a variety of experiences to apply!

At YWCA, we recognize that lived expertise is a powerful asset. This refers to the insights, knowledge, and skills developed by those who have navigated systems and experienced inequity.

Valuing lived expertise helps build trust with program participants, develop culturally responsive programs, and break down barriers to equity. It enriches our collective understanding and enhances our ability to serve communities that are furthest from opportunity.

Mental Health Considerations

All employees of the YWCA interact with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms, including but not limited to, racial trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, and financial hardship. As a result, employees are at risk of secondary trauma. We encourage employees to seek support inside and outside the workplace and maintain self-care routines.

Equal Opportunity Employment

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  To read more about this, view the EEO is the Law Poster and this EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

For more information

Contact us at careers@ywcaworks.org with any questions or if you need accommodation for your application.