Residential Services Specialist Part Time

At Cocoon House we empower young people, families, and communities in Snohomish County to break the cycle of homelessness through outreach, housing, and prevention. The Journeys Program provides 20 leased units of permanent supportive housing to households who are unhoused and between the ages of 18-24 at intake. Program staff support tenants in building skills needed to maintain a lease and live independently, as well as supporting tenants working toward self-identified goals and helping tenants build a support network outside of Cocoon House. The part-time Resident Services Specialist (RSS) works with tenants using strength-based, positive youth development, and trauma-informed approaches to help tenants increase their skills in seven key areas: housing stability, education, employment, health/wellness, life skills, relationships and community connectedness with an overall goal to build independent living skills.

As a Housing First program, tenants are not required to utilize supportive services to remain housed in the program, so program staff work primarily to build trust and positive rapport with tenants to motivate participation in services. The ideal Residential Services Specialist (RSS) brings creativity and thoughtfulness to the role to encourage tenants to participate in formal and informal skill-building activities.

Cocoon House is committed to continually growing in our equity, diversity, and inclusion journey, and candidates with lived experience, who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ and are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply! We will also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities upon request.

Part-Time Residential Services Specialist Duties & Responsibilities

Part-Time | On-site in Everett

Starting Wages: $18-$20/hr

• Work in collaboration with case management, property management and young adults to develop activities such as community meals, educational opportunities and skill building opportunities
• Operate independently on shifts, including evenings and weekends based on the needs of the program
• Maintain professional boundaries with residents while providing a positive and supportive community environment
• Assist residents in receiving proper support and resource referrals with an emphasis on self sufficiency
• Coordinate with Case Managers to ensure smooth tenant move-ins and move-outs
• Assist all residents with needs including support, problem solving, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, enforcing housing guidelines and other concerns
• Conduct security checks and routine walks throughout all common areas of the building and ensure that no unauthorized individuals are present in the building
• Provide community events and community meetings for the tenants
• Complete required data entry in a timely and accurate manner
• Complete daily log notes to ensure consistent and clear communication between staff
• Ensure files for residents are complete and contain all necessary paperwork to meet grant and funding requirements
• Perform light cleaning duties in communal areas, including but not limited to: vacuuming, sweeping/mopping, and trash removal.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision health options with employer contribution
• 403(b) retirement plan with agency match
• 21 days PTO accrual in first year
• 10 agency-recognized holidays
• Multilingual pay differential opportunities
• Paid training & testing: CPR/first aid, food handler's permit, blood borne pathogens, abuse awareness, TB testing, and additional in-depth practical trainings

Qualifications:

• Be committed to and experienced with youth services.
• High degree of understanding of racial and cultural equity
• Strong and effective communication skills allowing for open, trusting relationships with the youth served as well as other Cocoon House staff and service partners at all levels.
• Strong paperwork and data management skills required
• Training in the following is desirable but not required: trauma-informed care, LGBTQ cultural competency, racial equity and anti-racist institutions, domestic violence, commercial and sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), and vicarious trauma
• Must have good organizational skills and the ability to communicate with coworkers, residents, vendors and the public
• Bilingual English/Spanish and/or ASL interpretation skills preferred

General Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma/GED or high school equivalency
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• 1 year minimum of experience working with young adults experiencing homelessness
• DCYF background clearance
• Acceptable driver's abstract with no more than 2 violations within last 3 years
• Possess a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to effectively communicate with all internal and external clients
• Be able to hear voices and alarms.
• Ability to read and comprehend a variety of materials
• Ability to operate phone, computer, and record information for files and logs
• Must be able to lift up to 50 Ibs
• Must have ability to run up and down indoor and outdoor stairwells in case of youth emergency.
• Go up and down stairs