What are the responsibilities and job description for the Young Adult Shelter Supervisor (YAS) position at Volunteers of America Eastern Washington?
Description
Young Adult Shelter (YAS) Supervisor
Volunteers of America Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho
Spokane, WA | Full-Time | Hourly, Non-Exempt
Join Our Leadership Team at YAS!
The Young Adult Shelter (YAS) provides 24/7, low-barrier shelter and wraparound support for young adults ages 18–24 who are navigating homelessness and other serious life challenges. Every day, the YAS team helps participants move from crisis to stability through compassion, consistency, and connection.
We’re seeking a Shelter Supervisor to lead staff, strengthen operations, and ensure high-quality, trauma-informed care for Spokane’s young adults. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, values servant leadership, and believes every interaction is an opportunity to empower growth.
About Us
At Volunteers of America (VOA) Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho, we serve people and communities with a spirit of hope and compassion.
We are a mission-driven behavioral health organization delivering housing-first, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services to individuals impacted by homelessness, poverty, and co-occurring behavioral health disorders.
Our programs span a continuum of care that includes permanent supportive housing, youth and young adult services, low-barrier shelters, and medical respite programs—all grounded in our belief that every person deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.
About the Role
The Young Adult Shelter Supervisor provides day-to-day leadership and operational oversight for YAS, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for participants and staff alike. Working closely with the Program Manager, this position supervises shelter staff, manages shift coverage, and ensures compliance with program policies, documentation standards, and reporting requirements.
The ideal candidate is proactive, approachable, and calm under pressure—able to mentor staff through complex situations, model trauma-informed engagement, and uphold VOA’s values of respect and empowerment.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete and review intake forms for each participant, ensuring accuracy, timely documentation, and proper authorization for services.
- Supervise, schedule, and coach shelter staff to ensure consistent, participant-centered care.
- Oversee documentation, compliance, and data reporting requirements.
- Provide ongoing training, mentoring, and performance feedback for staff.
- Maintain a trauma-informed, strengths-based environment that emphasizes safety, dignity, and self-determination.
- Support crisis response and de-escalation efforts as needed.
- Build and maintain partnerships with community providers to strengthen access to housing, healthcare, and education resources.
- Participate in the on-call rotation, carrying the on-call phone at least one week per quarter, and covering staff shortages during that week to ensure 24/7 operational continuity.
Schedule
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position.
The schedule is primarily evenings, with at least one weekend shift each week.
Flexibility is required for occasional holiday coverage and on-call responsibilities.
Requirements
Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. These qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this role.
Required Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND a minimum of 1 year of experience working in a high-stress environment with at-risk youth
OR
- Equivalent experience supervising staff in a high-stress environment
Certificates and/or Licenses
- Eligible to be licensed as an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) and apply for credential within 30 days of hire
- CPR/First Aid/BBP certification within 6 months of employment
- Food Handler’s Permit (may be completed within 60 days of hire)
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain Auto Liability Insurance
- Reliable transportation
- Successfully pass a Comprehensive Criminal History Background Check and Driving Record Review
Bona Fide Occupational Qualification:
Must be at least 21 years of age according to program requirements.
Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
- Ability to direct and contribute effectively to multiple initiatives and processes within the organization.
- Ability to communicate clearly and exchange information effectively with team members, leadership, community stakeholders, and participants.
- Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Ability to interpret information and make sound decisions that align with program goals and participant needs.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion, valuing diverse perspectives and lived experiences while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate and support staff, enhancing commitment and engagement.
- Proactive approach—identifying and addressing needs before being asked.
- Ability to develop, communicate, and achieve goals aligned with VOA’s mission.
- Capacity to maintain focus and self-control in the face of high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
- Upholds the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and accountability in all practices.
- Openness to innovation and new ways of doing things, showing adaptability and growth mindset.
Why Join VOA?
At VOA, we don’t just talk about compassion—we live it.
You’ll join a dedicated team that believes in seeing people first and empowering all to thrive. Every day at YAS is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in a young person’s journey toward stability and independence. We offer competitive pay, strong benefits, and meaningful work that truly matters.