Young Adult Shelter Case Manager

About Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America (VOA) is a licensed behavioral health organization providing services without clinical walls. We deliver care and support where people are—through shelters, housing programs, medical respite, and community-based services—integrating behavioral health, case management, and basic needs support to promote safety, stability, and long-term change.

The Young Adult Shelter (YAS) provides a safe, supportive environment for young adults ages 18–24, 365 days a year. Beyond shelter, YAS offers access to medical care, behavioral health services, food, and resources for young people navigating homelessness, instability, and complex life challenges.

Position Summary

The Young Adult Shelter Case Manager works directly with young adults ages 18–24 residing in the shelter, providing relationship-based, client-driven case management. This role requires consistent engagement with participants both within the shelter environment and in one-on-one office-based meetings.

This position is best suited for a proactive, grounded, and relational Case Manager—someone who takes initiative, follows through, and encourages progress without taking over. Case Managers empower young adults to define their own goals while maintaining clear professional boundaries, avoiding trauma bonding, and ensuring that success remains owned by the participant.

Maintaining appropriate boundaries while building trust is essential in this role.

What You’ll Do

• Provide case management services to young adults residing at the Young Adult Shelter
• Engage with participants throughout the shelter setting and during scheduled meetings in assigned offices
• Build trusting relationships using Motivational Interviewing, Positive Youth Development, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care
• Maintain professional boundaries while offering consistent encouragement and accountability
• Support young adults in identifying their own goals and priorities without directing or taking ownership of outcomes
• Empower participants to complete tasks independently while sitting alongside them for guidance, coaching, and problem-solving
• Work proactively with young adults who may be hesitant, disengaged, or navigating instability
• Develop client-driven case management plans in collaboration with each participant
• Assist with applications, paperwork, and accessing community services
• Support young adults in scheduling appointments and attending meetings to build trust with external providers
• Advocate for participants in legal, educational, housing, and rehabilitation settings as appropriate
• Assist participants in obtaining identification and documentation needed to remove barriers to housing and services
• Coordinate referrals and emergency services when needed, including medical, shelter, detox, or law enforcement support
• Maintain knowledge of community resources specific to young adults
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in VOA systems and the Homeless Management Information System (CMIS)
• Meet program requirements for billable services, dedicating at least 50% of work time to direct participant engagement
• Complete outreach logs, referral logs, case notes, and required paperwork
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and required trainings
• Represent VOA at community meetings and collaboration activities related to homeless young adults

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Set schedule of 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday
• Schedule may vary and may include evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed
• On-call rotation required

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Eligibility to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) credential and apply within 30 days of hire
• Ability to work effectively with young adults experiencing homelessness, trauma, and instability
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries in a shelter-based setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• At least one year of experience working with youth in crisis
• Two years of experience working with at-risk, runaway, or homeless youth

Additional Requirements

• Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and ability to maintain auto liability insurance
• Ability to travel locally; mileage is reimbursed
• CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification within 6 months of hire
• Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal history background check and driving record review
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Benefits & Perks

• 8 paid holidays plus up to 5 discretionary holidays
• FREE Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• FREE Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and enhanced mental health benefits
• Paid sick leave, vacation, and floating holidays
• Optional Aflac plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Mileage reimbursement
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Clinical supervision hours available for those pursuing licensure

Why Volunteers of America?

At VOA, we put people first—always. Working at the Young Adult Shelter means showing up consistently, maintaining healthy boundaries, and walking alongside young adults as they build skills, confidence, and stability.

If you are proactive, relational, and able to empower without overstepping, VOA offers meaningful work, strong benefits, and supportive supervision in a mission-driven environment.