Housing Retention Specialist

IRCO • Portland, OR

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Retention Specialist is a temporary, full-time role with IRCO’s Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program, working as part of the Homeless Family System of Care’s interagency team within Multnomah County’s coordinated-entry system. The position runs from November 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and follows a hybrid schedule. The specialist works with families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, building trusting, supportive relationships and helping families use their strengths and capabilities to obtain and retain permanent housing. The role also provides transitional support to some families who have recently exited the Mobile Housing Program, with services phased out as families stabilize and develop supportive-service networks.

The specialist helps families navigate housing searches and the Emergency Housing Voucher leasing process, supports access to services and employment, and works with landlords and community partners to promote housing stability and expand housing options. The role includes maintaining case narratives and accurate records in IRCO and HMIS databases, tracking client-related expenses, and distributing assistance funds to landlords or utility companies. The position does not have supervisory responsibilities, though the specialist may occasionally orient or train new employees or volunteers.

The position is based at IRCO’s Main Office in Portland, Oregon, with a hybrid work setting. Starting pay is $49,572 per year, based on experience. IRCO describes the role as full-time with benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least 1–2 years of work experience.
• English proficiency is required.
• Valid driver’s license and verification of current auto insurance.
• Full use of an automobile during work hours.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively verbally, in writing, and by phone.
• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multibackground team and organization.
• Experience working with people from historically marginalized racial and ethnic communities.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in a second language.

Responsibilities

• Support the program manager in meeting IRCO Program Management Standards and engaging in continuous learning for program improvement.
• Identify eligible housing units, including physically accessible units when needed and units in low-poverty neighborhoods.
• Conduct outreach to landlords and property owners about potentially eligible units.
• Provide transportation assistance and directions to potential housing units.
• Assist families and individuals with rental applications, rental agreements, and other paperwork.
• Advocate with landlords on behalf of families and individuals to promote housing stability.
• Help expedite the Emergency Housing Voucher leasing process.
• Support processes that reduce harm to homeless families and assist their transition into permanent housing, including access to services, employment, and housing.
• Use a strengths-based approach to support families working to exit homelessness.
• Provide continuing housing-stabilization support to recently exited Mobile Housing clients, including visiting new tenants and building constructive relationships with property owners.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, police, social service agencies, businesses, and neighborhood organizations to ensure and expand housing options for homeless families.
• Maintain narratives of contacts with families, service providers, and others involved in transitioning families into permanent housing.
• Enter data in IRCO’s database and the shared Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), maintaining timely and accurate HMIS records.
• Record and track client-related expenses, such as assistance and rent, and report them regularly.
• Distribute assistance funds to clients’ landlords or utility companies.
• Refer clients to other sources of assistance to help them reach their goals.
• Work effectively with a team of varied backgrounds and participate in team-building efforts, staff meetings, and organizational functions.
• Attend trainings and meetings conducted through the Homeless Family System of Care and Multnomah County Homeless Services Department.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and committees supporting the Housing and Supportive Services sector and agency goals.
• Interact with staff in other IRCO programs and community partners, and refer clients to them as appropriate.
• Engage in recommended professional development and assigned or required training.

Benefits

• Three to six weeks of paid time off per year.
• 401(k) match of over 100% on the first 5%, with immediate vesting.
• 3% match for student loans or college savings.
• 12 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Medical and dental insurance options with 85% coverage for the employee and family, with no deductibles.
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending account.
• Flexible working arrangements and schedules.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level