WFS Wildfire Relief Specialist

Closes: 8/30/26 • Spokane, WA • Full-time/Hourly • Wage: $30.00 per hour

About the role

The Wildfire Relief Specialist provides comprehensive case management services to individuals and families impacted by wildfires and related disasters. This position serves as a primary point of contact for disaster survivors, conducting needs assessments, developing individualized recovery plans, connecting participants to community resources, and facilitating the distribution of state-funded financial assistance in accordance with grant requirements and program guidelines. They will utilize trauma-informed, participant-centered approaches to help individuals navigate recovery while promoting dignity, resilience, and self-sufficiency. This role requires extensive collaboration with community partners, government agencies, Goodwill departments and programs, and other service providers to ensure coordinated and effective support for wildfire-impacted households. Must have valid driver's license, clean driving record, personal auto insurance, and pass background and driver record check.

Job Location: 130 East 3rd Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202

Employment Benefits: https://discovergoodwill.org/benefits/

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Case Management & Participant Support

• Conduct assessments to identify the immediate, short-term, and long-term needs of those impacted.
• Develop individualized recovery plans that address housing, employment, financial stability, transportation, health care, mental health, and other recovery-related needs.
• Maintain ongoing contact with participants to monitor progress, adjust service plans, and provide supportive guidance.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to foster participant engagement, self-determination, and goal achievement.
• Apply trauma-informed care principles in all participant interactions to promote trust, empowerment, and emotional safety.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and referrals while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records in compliance with agency, grant, and regulatory requirements.

Financial Assistance Administration

• Evaluate participant eligibility for disaster relief funding according to state and grant guidelines.
• Collect, review, and verify required documentation for assistance determinations.
• Prepare and process financial assistance requests accurately and within established timelines.
• Ensure all assistance decisions are documented and compliant with grant regulations and auditing requirements.
• Monitor expenditures and maintain detailed records to support fiscal accountability and program reporting.

Community Collaboration & Resource Navigation

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for community services.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community organizations, government agencies, emergency management partners, tribal organizations, and faith-based providers.
• Collaborate with Goodwill programs and departments to connect participants to workforce development, housing stabilization, financial education, and other supportive services.
• Coordinate service delivery to minimize duplication and maximize available community resources.
• Participate in community coalitions, case conferencing meetings, and recovery coordination efforts.

Outreach & Program Support

• Conduct outreach activities to identify and engage disaster survivors who may be eligible for services.
• Represent Goodwill professionally.
• Assist with program data collection, reporting, and grant performance tracking.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts and program development initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of changing disaster recovery resources, funding opportunities, and community needs.
• Other duties as assigned.