What are the responsibilities and job description for the Outreach Case Manager – Youth (CrossWalk) position at Volunteers of America Eastern Washington?
Description
This work starts with showing up.
As an Outreach Case Manager, you’ll build relationships with young people navigating homelessness and instability—meeting them where they are, both in the community and at CrossWalk Youth Shelter. You’re not just connecting youth to services—you’re creating the trust that makes those connections possible. Through a blend of street outreach and shelter-based support, you’ll help youth move toward safety, stability, and what comes next.
What This Work Looks Like
No two days are the same, but the purpose is. You might spend the morning out in the community, reconnecting with a youth you’ve been trying to reach; sometimes it’s a quick check-in, sometimes it’s the first real step toward trust. Later, you’re at the shelter. A familiar face sits down with you, ready to talk through what’s next: housing, school, getting an ID, or just making it through the next few days. Some days move quickly and feel unpredictable.
Others are quieter, steady, and relational. Over time, it’s your consistency, out in the community and inside the shelter, that makes the difference.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct street-based outreach to engage youth experiencing homelessness or unsafe living situations
- Build trust-based relationships through consistent, youth-centered engagement
- Encourage and support youth in accessing services through CrossWalk Youth Shelter
- Work scheduled shifts within the shelter to provide continuity and strengthen relationships
- Provide crisis intervention and respond to urgent situations during shift hours
- Assist youth in meeting basic needs through referrals, resources, and supply distribution
- Help youth navigate systems including housing, education, healthcare, and identification
- Advocate for youth and reduce barriers to accessing services
- Schedule and attend appointments with youth to build trust with service providers
- Maintain knowledge of community resources and identify new resource opportunities
- Participate in outreach events and community education efforts
- Complete outreach logs, case notes, and required documentation accurately and on time
- Maintain compliance with program requirements and applicable licensing standards
Benefits
- 8 paid holidays plus up to 5 floating holidays
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (approx. $12,000–$15,000 annual value)
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability (approx. $1,500–$2,500 annual value)
- Generous PTO, including sick leave and vacation
- 403(b) retirement plan
- PSLF-eligible employer
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Free electric vehicle charging at our main location
Requirements
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related field or equivalent experience
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with runaway, homeless, or at-risk youth
- Ability to build rapport with youth experiencing instability or trauma
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress or crisis situations
- Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn local community resources
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation
- Ability to pass required background checks, including state child welfare and driving record checks
- Must obtain a TB test prior to employment (or provide a recent negative test)
- Must be at least 21 years of age
Required within 6 months of hire (if not already obtained):
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Washington State Food Handler Permit
Work Environment
This role combines community outreach and shelter-based work. You’ll spend time outdoors year-round engaging youth, as well as working inside a youth shelter environment. The work is active, fast-paced, and highly relational, serving youth ages 13–24.
Schedule: This position requires a flexible schedule that includes a mix of community outreach and assigned shelter shifts, with evening, weekend, and occasional holiday coverage based on program needs.
Salary : $1,500 - $2,500