Youth Shelter Support Staff - Crosswalk

VOA of Spokane | Youth Services

Crosswalk is a youth-focused program at VOA of Spokane serving young people ages 13–17 who are experiencing housing instability, family conflict, and other complex challenges. Support Staff play a critical role in creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment where youth can stabilize and feel supported.

This is hands‑on, relational work that requires consistency, strong boundaries, and the ability to stay calm and engaged during both routine and high‑stress moments.

• Maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment (cleaning is part of the job)
• Assisting with basic meal preparation and kitchen clean‑up
• Remaining present, engaged, and awake for the entire shift
• Modeling appropriate communication, boundaries, and behavior for youth
• Supporting de‑escalation and youth regulation during difficult moments
• Entering new participants into Credible and maintaining accurate electronic records
• Documenting daily interactions, incidents, and observations
• Communicating professionally with law enforcement, legal guardians, and community partners as needed
• Working collaboratively with teammates to support youth safety and consistency

This role involves heavy computer use and requires strong written communication skills.

• Day Shift (8‑hour): 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Day Shift (12‑hour): 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Swing Shift: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Overnight Shift (Awake): 9:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Overnight shifts are awake shifts
.

Weekend availability is required or strongly preferred, depending on position.

• High School Diploma or GED/HSEC
• One (1) year of experience working directly with children or youth, or two (2) years of related post‑secondary education

To qualify for this role, employees must be willing and able to:

• Be eligible for Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) status and apply within 30 days of hire
• Obtain CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) certification within one week of employment
• Maintain a Food Handler’s Permit
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Complete a TB test before employment or provide a negative test within the past 8 months
• Successfully pass all required background checks, including DCYF, WA State Patrol (WATCH), and state/federal exclusion databases

• Must be 21 years of age in accordance with program and licensing requirements

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in crisis or emergencies
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities
• Strong attention to detail, particularly related to documentation and safety
• Comfort using computers and electronic record systems

At VOA of Spokane, we believe in Seeing People First, Empowering All to Thrive — including the people who do this work every day. Crosswalk Support Staff are essential to our mission, and we are committed to supporting our employees with strong benefits, clear expectations, and a culture rooted in care and respect.

• Employer‑paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long‑term disability benefits (for benefit‑eligible positions)
• Generous paid time off, including sick leave and vacation accrual
• Paid holidays and holiday premium pay, where applicable

This work isn’t always easy — but it is meaningful. If you’re looking for a role where your presence matters and your values align with your work, VOA of Spokane is a place where you can grow, contribute, and thrive.