Landlord Engagement Specialist

What You'll Do

The Edmonds New Start Center (EDNSC) is a new 24/7 Emergency Housing facility operated by the YWCA of Seattle, King, and Snohomish County, located in Edmonds, WA. The center provides safe, supportive housing for up to 45 individuals who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Clients have access to a range of on‑site services, including case management, life skills training, and connections to healthcare and employment resources, all designed to support their journey toward stability and self‑sufficiency.

The center emphasizes a compassionate, community‑focused approach, fostering an environment where clients can rebuild their lives with dignity, independence, and hope.

A full‑time Landlord Engagement Specialist, hired part‑time at first, will provide housing search assistance, landlord engagement, unit recruiting, application support, and move‑in coordination. During early operations this position will build a housing pipeline, supporting early lease‑ups. As occupancy increases, the position will support a full caseload for rapid exits and retention. This role is rooted in a commitment to racial and social justice, addressing the challenges faced by everyone, especially BIPOC communities.

This position has a social justice component that requires critical thinking through the lens of racism and intersection with poverty. Knowing the core principles of antiracism and grounding those principles in everyday work are required job skills and core values.

Onsite, full‑time (30+ hours).

• Meet with clients to complete intake paperwork, review documentation to determine eligibility, and assess pertinent rental information.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with local landlords to advocate for clients, addressing concerns related to rental history, credit issues, and previous evictions.
• Foster transparent communication with landlords and advocate for fair lease terms.
• Provide trauma‑informed supportive services and advocacy around housing placement to expand housing options for clients and maintain housing placements.
• Resolve barriers that interfere with securing a rental lease and advocate with private landlords.
• Act as a liaison and mediator for housing issues that may arise.
• Attend and participate in meetings with Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Rehousing, the Landlord Engagement team, and service providers.
• Help prepare and distribute daily cold‑prepared meals to clients at the New Start Center.
• Maintain knowledge of YWCA client resources, services, and staff and make appropriate inter‑agency referrals.
• Maintain calm, caring and professional demeanor at all times, especially during stressful situations.
• Maintain confidentiality, discretion and professionalism by not discussing staff, clients, or visitors with others.
• Maintain proper client/staff relationship boundaries.
• Incorporate the YWCA’s Social Justice Initiative by understanding how racism, sexism, classism, and other oppress ions intersect and are embedded in institutions.
• Treat all visitors, clients, staff, and volunteers with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic background.

• Maintain working knowledge of fire, safety and disaster plans related to emergency situations and conditions.
• Follow emergency response guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to de‑escalate conflicts or crises in the facility between clients and/or other individuals and direct them to appropriate staff who can provide next steps.

• Maintain and keep confidential files in a locked storage cabinet.
• Maintain client case notes and input HMIS service data.
• Provide a quarterly narrative report regarding client updates.
• Record all pertinent information in logbooks, and email Life Coaches, the Program Manager, or others as needed.
• Understand and follow all policies in the EDNSC Staff Handbook as well as other YWCA policies and procedures.

• A bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field.
• OR a minimum of 3 years of experience in property management, housing services, and/or real estate,…