Volunteers of America is a non-profit organization operating in Western Washington for over 125 years. Our Christian roots drive us to put our faith into action for the benefit of every member of the community. We celebrate our unique perspectives that allow us to better serve and uplift our community – and each other.
The Support Specialist provides resource navigation, case management, and ongoing support services to individuals, families, youth, and community members through the Community Resource Centers. This position works alongside participants to identify barriers, develop goals, connect to resources, and provide follow-up support that promotes stability and self-sufficiency.
Working within Integrated Community Services (ICS), the Support Specialist collaborates with Community Resource Center staff, volunteers, community partners, and other ICS programs to coordinate services, address community needs, and improve access to resources. This position also represents the Community Resource Centers through outreach and community engagement while fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for participants and visitors.
Principal Activities
- Provide resource navigation, case management, and support services to participants in person, by phone, and through other communication methods.
- Conduct participant assessments to identify strengths, needs, goals, and barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.
- Develop individualized action plans and provide ongoing follow-up, support and coordination of services to assist participants in reducing barriers and achieving identified goals.
- Assist participants with accessing resources, including completing applications, scheduling appointments, gathering documentation, and navigating service systems.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records, case notes, service documentation, and required data in applicable case management and database systems in accordance with organizational policies, program standards, and funding requirements.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners to improve access to services and resources for participants.
- Support and participate in community outreach activities, resource fairs, tabling events, presentations, and other public engagement opportunities to increase awareness of Community Resource Center services, Integrated Community Services, and Volunteers of America Western Washington.
- Work collaboratively with Community Resource Center staff, other Integrated Community Services programs, volunteers, and community partners to coordinate services and address participant needs.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to the Site Director regarding community trends, participant needs, service gaps, and opportunities for program improvement.
- Assist in researching community needs and identifying opportunities for new programs, partnerships, services, and volunteer engagement.
- Perform administrative duties including maintaining resource information, preparing reports, processing paperwork, and supporting program operations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Benefits
We believe that taking care of our team is essential to fulfilling our mission. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being as a full-time employee.
- Vacation and Sick Time: Vacation up to 200 hours, Sick time up to 108.64 hours
- Competitive compensation
- Holidays: 9 paid per year + 2 paid floating holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Savings Account (FSA) medical & dependent care
- Free Employee Assistance program
- 403(b) Retirement Plan matching
- Professional Development opportunities
- Bachelor’s degree in human services, social services, behavioral health, social work, or a related field preferred. Equivalent education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
- One (1) year or more of experience providing case management, direct support, resource navigation, community outreach, or related services to individuals and families experiencing barriers to stability.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing complex stability barriers and navigating community resources, public benefits, and social service systems.
- Strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills, and collaborate effectively with a team to coordinate services and participant support.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple participants, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accurate and timely documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn and effectively use TEAMS, Extended Reach and technology systems.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
- Must be able to lift and carry 30+ pounds as required by the position.
- Must be able to climb stairs as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in human services, social services, behavioral health, social work, or a related field; equivalent education and relevant experience considered
- At least one year of experience in case management, direct support, resource navigation, community outreach, or related services
- Experience supporting individuals with complex stability barriers and navigating community resources, public benefits, and social service systems
- Strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and collaborate with a team
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple participants, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accurate documentation
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn and use Microsoft Teams, Extended Reach, and other technology systems
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Ability to lift and carry more than 30 pounds
- Ability to climb stairs as needed
What We Do
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) is a Christian faith‑in‑action nonprofit that empowers people and strengthens communities across Western Washington. Founded in the early 20th century, VOAWW provides food, housing and homelessness prevention, early childhood education, behavioral health and senior services, refugee and crisis supports—partnering with staff, volunteers and community partners to promote stability and self‑sufficiency.
