Hope Center YE Shelter Support Specialist (Graveyard) at Rod s House – Yakima, Washington

Job Posting Title
Hope Center Youth Support Specialist (Graveyard Shifts)

Job Description
Rod’s House builds authentic connections with young people, encourages them to feel respected and secure in who they are, empowers them to reach their full potential, and positively connects them to the community.

Rod’s House envisions an end to youth homelessness in the Yakima Valley. To break the cycle of homelessness, the organization works with volunteers, donors, and community partners to ensure young people’s basic needs are met; that they have safe, stable housing; permanent, positive connections; meaningful education and employment opportunities; behavioral and physical health care; and supports that reinforce individual responsibility, skill development, and long-term stability.

Youth Support Specialists help advance this mission by providing consistent supervision, structure, and support to youth ages 13–17 residing in a licensed youth emergency shelter. All shelter operations, staffing, and services are conducted in compliance with Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing requirements and applicable state regulations.

Position Information
Title: Youth Emergency Shelter Support Specialist
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)
Location: Hope Center
Reports to: Program Manager; receives day-to-day guidance and support from the Program Supervisor

Schedule Options

Overnight Shift: 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Schedules may include weekends and holidays. Hours may change based on shelter coverage needs. Mandatory overtime may be required.

Budgeted Hours
40 hours per week (Full-Time)

Job Summary
Youth Support Specialists provide direct supervision and operational support for youth ages 13–17 experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This role focuses on safety monitoring, routine enforcement, crisis prevention, documentation, and facility oversight during evening and overnight hours. Staff are required to follow all Rod’s House policies and procedures and all DCYF licensing, reporting, and supervision standards at all times.

Duties and Responsibilities
Provide continuous supervision of youth to ensure safety, rule compliance, and appropriate conduct. Maintain required staff-to-youth ratios per DCYF licensing standards. Conduct room checks, bed checks, and head counts as scheduled. Remain alert and responsive to youth needs during overnight hours.

Prevent and de-escalate behavioral or emotional incidents using approved intervention strategies. Respond appropriately to verbal or physical conflicts according to agency policy and DCYF guidance. Complete incident reports and required documentation accurately and on time, including any DCYF-mandated reports.

Support evening routines including meals, chores, hygiene, homework, and bedtime preparation. Support morning routines during overnight shifts, including wake-ups and preparation for school or scheduled activities. Assist youth with basic daily living responsibilities such as cleaning, laundry, and organization. Escort youth to designated activities or meal times as required.

Conduct fire watch and facility safety checks with proper documentation. Complete shift logs, nightly reports, and DCYF-required licensing documentation. Perform daily and weekly cleaning tasks and complete opening or closing duties to prepare the shelter for the next shift.

Maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor at all times while interacting with youth, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Uphold strict client confidentiality in accordance with agency policy, DCYF requirements, and applicable laws. Demonstrate respect for youth and build healthy, professional relationships by meeting youth where they are developmentally and emotionally during supervision, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Communicate clearly with the Program Manager, Program Supervisor, case managers, and oncoming staff. Attend required staff meetings and trainings, including DCYF-mandated trainings. Follow established policies and procedures and provide operational feedback when appropriate. Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and licensing compliance.

Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED required. Must be at least 21 years of age. Valid driver’s license and auto insurance required. Minimum of one year of direct experience working with youth, preferably in residential, shelter, or structured supervision settings, or two years of relevant post-secondary education in social services or a related field. Must successfully pass all required background checks through the Washington State Patrol, DCYF, and any other required licensing entities.

Bilingual Spanish English skills preferred. Prior experience in licensed youth shelters, group homes, or residential programs preferred.

Compensation and Benefits
Starting hourly wage: $17.30 per hour. Sick time provided in accordance with state law. Generous vacation time provided, with up to 120 hours available during the first year of employment; vacation accrual and availability are prorated based on the quarter in which the employee begins employment. Employer-paid life insurance. Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer paying 80% and employee paying 20%. 401(k) with employer match up to 3%.

Professional Development and Growth Opportunities
Rod’s House supports employee growth through job-related training, DCYF-required certifications, cross-training opportunities, and internal advancement pathways. Employees who demonstrate strong performance, reliability, professionalism, and leadership potential may be considered for expanded responsibilities or promotional opportunities as positions become available.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth in structured or crisis-oriented environments. Strong communication, observation, and documentation skills. Ability to maintain a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and sound judgment in challenging situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality and build respectful, healthy relationships with youth in accordance with DCYF requirements. Ability to remain attentive and dependable during overnight hours. Willingness to learn and consistently apply DCYF-approved safety, supervision, and intervention practices.

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements
Work includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Frequent interaction with youth experiencing crisis or housing instability. Physical requirements include standing, walking, sitting, hearing, seeing, speaking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motion. Must be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds. Mandatory overtime may be required to maintain DCYF-licensed staffing levels.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement
Rod’s House is a drug-free workplace. The use, possession, distribution, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty, on Rod’s House property, or while representing the organization is strictly prohibited. This policy includes all drugs, including marijuana, regardless of state legalization status, and is enforced in accordance with applicable employment laws and DCYF licensing requirements.

Employment Philosophy
Rod’s House hires and promotes employees based on qualifications, experience, demonstrated skills, work performance, and the ability to meet job requirements and support organizational goals. All employment practices comply with applicable employment laws and DCYF licensing standards.

At-Will Employment Statement
Employment with Rod’s House is at-will. Either the employee or Rod’s House may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. Nothing in this posting creates an employment contract.

Non-Profit Funding Disclaimer
Rod’s House is a non-profit organization funded primarily through grants and public funding. Continued employment is dependent on the availability of funding.