Resource Navigator and Rental Assistance Specialist

A stable home can change what is possible for a person or family. As YWCA’s Resource Navigator and Rental Assistance Specialist, you will help people facing homelessness find a path forward and help Lynnwood renters stay in their homes when a financial crisis puts their housing at risk.

This full time position is evenly divided between two areas of work. As a Resource Navigator, you will listen to participants’ goals, complete coordinated entry assessments, develop housing action plans, and connect people with services that fit their needs. In the rental assistance program, you will guide eligible Lynnwood households through the application process, work with landlords and property managers, coordinate assistance payments, and follow up to support lasting housing stability.

You will bring a strengths based, trauma informed, and culturally responsive approach to every interaction. Your work will help people make informed choices during difficult moments and advance YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

LOCATION

This position is fully onsite at YWCA’s Pathways Emergency Shelter in Lynnwood.

Responsibilities

Resource Navigation Responsibilities 50%

• Respond promptly to inquiries and referrals; meet with individuals and families to assess immediate needs, strengths, housing barriers, and service options.
• Complete coordinated entry and other applicable assessments; explain data sharing, obtain informed consent, and arrange alternatives when a participant opts out.
• Work with participants to develop practical, participant led housing and self sufficiency plans, using motivational interviewing and measurable goals where helpful.
• Connect participants with housing, shelter, benefits, behavioral health, food, employment, and other community resources; coordinate warm referrals with partners and YWCA teams.
• Maintain timely case notes, assessments, referrals, and outcomes in HMIS and other required systems; safeguard confidential information.
• Help track navigation related flexible funds and document uses according to grant and YWCA requirements.

 

Rental Assistance Responsibilities 50%

• Receive and review rental assistance applications for households residing in rental units within Lynnwood city limits; verify income at or below 60% of area median income and all other eligibility criteria under the final contract and program procedures.
• Collect and review required documents, including proof of residence, income, rent obligation, balance due, and landlord or property manager information; identify missing information and communicate decisions clearly.
• Assess the housing crisis and collaborate with each household on a realistic plan to remain housed, including referrals and follow up services that support longer term stability.
• Communicate with landlords and property managers to confirm amounts due, payment arrangements, and the steps needed to prevent housing loss; maintain professional and impartial relationships.
• Prepare accurate assistance requests and payment records for review and approval under YWCA controls; monitor committed and spent funds so assistance stays within the approved budget and allowable uses.
• Track applications, decisions, assistance amounts, payment status, referrals, and housing outcomes; provide timely, accurate information for funder reports and program improvement.

 

Responsibilities Across Both Programs

• Provide accessible, respectful services across cultures, languages, abilities, and family structures; arrange interpretation and other access supports as needed.
• Coordinate with community organizations, first responders, housing providers, and other partners when appropriate and authorized by participants.
• Protect participant privacy, follow YWCA policies and grant requirements, and raise eligibility, safety, fiscal, or service concerns promptly.
• Participate in supervision, training, program meetings, and service quality reviews; support outreach and other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience in housing navigation, rental assistance, homelessness prevention, case management, or closely related human services work. Relevant lived experience and transferable skills will be considered.
• Ability to assess housing needs, explain requirements clearly, build trust with participants, and work effectively with landlords and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in eligibility review, documentation, data entry, and tracking of assistance funds.
• Knowledge of Snohomish County resources, coordinated entry, HMIS, fair housing, and rental assistance programs, or ability to learn them promptly.
• Commitment to antiracism, trauma informed practice, harm reduction, confidentiality, and culturally responsive service.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office and case management databases; ability to travel among work sites and community locations as needed.

Hours, Rate, and Benefits

• Hourly Rate/Salary: $28.00
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Non-Exempt
• Excellent benefits package including medical insurance, retirement plan, plus generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans. For more information about our benefits, please visit: YWCA Careers & Benefits Information.
• At the time of hire, employees may enroll voluntarily in the Fidelity 403b Plan
• After two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In performing this position, the employee:

• All positions at YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish are exposed to clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. As a result, staff are at risk of secondary trauma. Employees are encouraged to seek external support and maintain self-care when working indirectly or directly with clients.
• Frequently sits, stands, and walks throughout the workday while supporting youth, families, and program activities across multiple sites.
• Regular use of hands, wrists, and fingers for computer use, documentation, and handling program materials.
• Frequently reaches, bends, and moves within community center, office, and housing environments.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Regularly drives between YWCA housing sites and community locations within Snohomish County; must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and using electronic communication tools.