Resource Navigator and Rental Assistance Specialist

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.

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.

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

• 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.

• 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,…