Young Adult Shelter (YAS) Support Staff at Volunteers of America Eastern Washington

Description

Young Adult Shelter Support Staff – YAS (Crisis Shelter)

Volunteers of America (VOA Spokane)

Seeing People First – Empowering All to Thrive

About The Role

The Young Adult Shelter (YAS) is a low-barrier crisis shelter serving young adults ages 18–24 who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability, behavioral health challenges, or unsafe living situations. YAS provides safety, stability, connection, and basic needs in a space rooted in trauma-informed, youth-centered care. As a YAS Support Staff, you are the welcoming presence at the shelter, the person who helps young adults feel safe, seen, and supported, and the steady guide during moments of crisis. You will actively engage with participants, support daily needs, maintain a clean and structured environment, help prevent conflicts, and complete the necessary documentation. This is an awake-shift role.

What You’ll Do

• Welcome new participants, complete intakes, gather required information, and help young adults understand shelter expectations in a calm, supportive way.
• Build rapport with young adults through consistent, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate engagement.
• Conduct routine well-being and safety checks and respond promptly to participant needs.
• Provide support around basic needs, including meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, hydration, and access to resources.
• Assist with crisis response, de-escalation, and safety planning using trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and age-appropriate environment, including routine cleaning of bathrooms, common areas, laundry, and sanitization tasks.
• Prepare and turn over sleeping spaces, mats, and supplies for nightly shelter operations.
• Document services, interactions, and incidents accurately and in Credible, meeting required timelines.
• Communicate clearly during shift hand-offs to ensure continuity and safety for all participants.
• Follow emergency procedures and notify supervisory staff when additional support is required.
  
  

Requirements

What You Bring

• Experience supporting young adults, especially those facing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance use, or crisis situations.
• Ability to remain calm, grounded, and supportive in high-stress or emotionally intense situations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage respectfully with young adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Comfort with routine cleaning tasks and maintaining high standards of environment quality.
• Ability to learn documentation systems such as HMIS or internal platforms.
• Ability to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential within 90 days of employment (agency paid).
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid and AVADE training within 90 days (agency paid).
• Must pass background checks required for this role.
  
  

Work Environment

• Awake-shift position (day, swing, or overnight).
• Frequent standing, walking, cleaning, and lifting up to 25–30 lbs.
• Fast-paced environment supporting young adults with complex and often urgent needs.
• PPE and training provided.
  
  

Why Join VOA Spokane?

At VOA Spokane, we invest in the people who care for our community.

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for full-time staff
• Mission-driven culture centered on dignity, connection, and hope
• Supportive leadership, growth opportunities, and agency-paid credentialing
• Meaningful work where you directly support young adults during some of the most pivotal moments in their lives