Young Adult Shelter Support Staff at Volunteers of America Eastern Washington – Spokane, Washington

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 offers safety, stability, and connection in a space grounded 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 respected. You provide structure, support, and calm during moments of uncertainty or crisis, while helping maintain an environment where young people can rest, regroup, and take next steps forward.

When support matters most-

YAS Support Staff provide awake-shift support during weekday overnights (9:00 PM–9:00 AM) and weekend day/evenings (9:00 AM–9:00 PM), ensuring young adults have a safe, steady presence around the clock.

What You’ll Do

• Greet and welcome new participants, complete intakes, gather required information, and explain shelter expectations in a calm, supportive manner.
• Build rapport and trust through consistent, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate engagement.
• Conduct routine safety and well-being checks and respond promptly to participant needs.
• Support basic needs such as meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, hydration, and access to on-site resources.
• Assist with crisis response, de-escalation, and safety planning using trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and age-appropriate environment, including routine cleaning of bathrooms, common areas, laundry, and sanitization tasks.
• Prepare, reset, and organize sleeping mats and supplies to support daily shelter operations.
• Accurately document services, interactions, and incidents in Credible within required timelines.
• Communicate clearly during shift hand-offs to ensure continuity of care and participant safety.
• Follow emergency procedures and notify supervisory staff when additional support is needed.

• Experience supporting young adults, especially those impacted by homelessness, behavioral health challenges, substance use, or crisis situations.
• The ability to remain calm, grounded, and supportive in high-stress or emotionally intense situations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Comfort with routine cleaning and maintaining a high standard 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 hire (agency paid).
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid and AVADE training within 90 days (agency paid).
• Ability to pass all required background checks.